Bathing Of Pilgrims In Pamba River, Erumeli Stream In Sabarimala Is Prohibited: State Tells Kerala High Court

The government informed the Court that bathing of pilgrims in Pamba and in the Erumeli stream has been prohibited. It was also submitted that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services and Police personnel have been deployed near the Pamba river.

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. was considering the steps and action plans to be implemented by the Travancore Devaswom Board, state government, and police to ensure the safety of pilgrims at Sabarimala.

The Court was informed that various restrictions have been imposed in Sabarimala, Erumeli and also in the trekking paths. The Government Pleader submitted before the Court that the movement of pilgrims is also restricted through certain trekking paths for the time being. The Court directed the authorities to inform about the restrictions to pilgrims through the public address system.

The Court was also informed by the Travancore Devaswom Board that measures have been taken to ensure that pilgrims are not throwing clothes on the roof of Malikappuram Temple, pouring turmeric on its walls and rolling coconuts around the temple, citing it as customary practices or rituals. The Board emphasized that these practices pose a safety risk to pilgrims especially children, senior citizens and persons with disability. It was further stated that the decision was based on the finding that these practices were not part of the temple's customary practices or rituals.

In this regard, the Court ordered that “It is for the Board to take an appropriate decision on the above aspect, after obtaining a written opinion from the Tantri of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple.”

Case Number: SSCR NO. 79 OF 2024

Case Title: Suo Moto v State of Kerala