Sabarimala Crowd Management: Kerala High Court Directs Devaswom Board To Provide Drinking Water, Refreshments To Stranded Pilgrims

The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice G. Girish also directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to deploy sufficient number of volunteers, especially during night hours to help the stranded pilgrims. 

“Having considered the submissions made at the Bar, we deem it appropriate to direct the Travancore Devaswom Board to take immediate steps to deploy sufficient number of volunteers at U-turn and S-valavu, especially during night hours, and provide drinking water and light refreshments to the pilgrims stranded at those locations.”, the Court stated.

The Court has also directed the Superintending Engineer, Kerala Water Authority, Public Health Circle to consult with the Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure adequate supply of drinking water. 

The Court passed the above order while hearing a suo moto petition where it was considering issues regarding crowd management of pilgrims at Sabarimala during the Mandala- Makaravilakku festival season.

Additionally, the Court also enquired regarding parking facilities and directed the Travancore Devaswom Board and the District Police Chief, Pathanamthitta to ensure that the maximum number of vehicles are parked at Devaswom parking grounds at Nilakkal.

Appearance: Senior Government Pleader S Rajmohan, Amicus Curiae N Raghuraj

Case title: Suo Moto v State of Kerala

Case number: SSCR Nos.29, 36, 41 and 42 of 2023

Previous reports by LiveLaw on various guidelines issued by the Court for crowd management can be accessed here: -

1. Kerala High Court Issues Guidelines For Crowd Management Of Pilgrims At Sabarimala Temple During Mandala-Makaravilakku Festival

2. Sabarimala Crowd Management: Kerala HC Issues Slew Of Directions, Asks Police Authorities To Ensure KSRTC Bus Availability

3. Sabarimala Crowd Management: Kerala HC Issues Guidelines Against Pilgrims' Exploitation, Directs Authorities To Raise Awareness On Court Proceedings

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