Sabarimala Pilgrimage | Kerala High Court Asks Authorities To Ensure That Pilgrims Are Not Charged Excessively By Eateries

The District Collector of Pathanamthitta had issued a circular fixing the prices of food stuff in the eateries in Pathanamthitta opened during this Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season after getting permission/ license from the Travancore Devaswom Board. The Court by an earlier order directed that the eateries shall display the price list of food stuffs in Malayalam. English, Hindi, Kannada and Telugu considering that the pilgrims were coming from all over the country. The Court had also directed the Food Safety Department to conduct periodical inspection in these eateries in the Mandala-Makaravilaakku Season.

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. on Tuesday (26^th November) issued a series of instructions to the kuthaka holders. The court directed that the kuthaka holders can conduct sale only within their identified allotted areas. The court also directed that the workers engaged by the kuthaka holders should wear their identity cards. The court gave strict direction that no workers without identity card shall be employed by the kuthaka holders.

The Court was informed by the Travancore Devaswom Board that despite board banning the use of mobile phones in Thirumuttam and near the Sreekovil, the pilgrims are still using mobile phones in those areas and recording videos. The Court emphasized that Sabarimala and its vicinity is a Special Security Zone. The Court asked the Executive Officer of Sabarimala to file a report in this matter.

The matter is further listed for 27^th of November.

Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Kerala and Others

Case No: SSCR 79 of 2024