Sabiramala temple's sanctity, devotee rights must be protected during Global Ayyappa Sangamam: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court on Thursday ordered the State and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to ensure that the conduct of the 'Global Ayyappa Sangamam' event at Pamba does not affect the Sabarimala temple's sanctity or disrupt access for devotees visiting the temple [Ajeesh Kalathil Gopi v State of Kerala & ors and connected cases].

The Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar issued the direction while closing petitions that sought to prevent the conduct of the upcoming event on concerns that it was a political event that misused Lord Ayyappa's name.

The petitions, filed by devotees and religious bodies, had questioned the involvement of the State and the TDB in conducting the event. They raised concerns that temple funds may be used for the event, which could involve the participation of individuals opposing Sanatana Dharma.

The Court today held that the event could proceed, provided certain safeguards are followed.

It issued strict guidelines to ensure that the sanctity of the sacred Pamba river and the temple environment is preserved, and so that the rights and spiritual experience of the temple's devotees are not compromised. The rights, safety, and spiritual experience of ordinary Sabarimala pilgrims are paramount, the Court said.

The Court also emphasised that there must be financial transparency in the funds used to hold the event, and issued various directions on this aspect.

The directions issued by the Court today include the following:

- The State and the TDB are to ensure that no activity connected to the event compromises the sanctity of the Pamba river or the temple premises.

- Both permanent and temporary structures set up for the event must be strictly minimal, eco-friendly, and designed to prevent environmental degradation.

- During the period of preparation for the event and while the event is being conducted, all religious rituals, temple ceremonies, and pilgrim settlements must remain uninterrupted.

- The Court further mandated that no plastic bottles, cups, or non-biodegradable waste are to be used or generated at the event venue and that any waste that arises inadvertently must be cleared immediately, ensuring that the Pamba river remains clean at all times.

- Further, taking note of the invitee list and the expected presence of several eminent persons, including the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and dignitaries from abroad, the Court stressed that the facilities for ordinary pilgrims must not be impaired due to their presence.

- Security arrangements or other logistical measures for accommodating these guests arriving for the event must in no way obstruct pilgrims' access to the temple or disrupt their spiritual experience. "Under no circumstance shall the ingress or egress of the pilgrims be disrupted, whether on account of security arrangements or otherwise," the Court ordered.

- The Court also ordered the maintenance of detailed, transparent accounts of all expenditures, including travel and accommodation costs. It directed that the contributions received from sponsors must be audited and that a copy of the audit report must be submitted to the Special Commissioner Sabarimala within 45 days of the event, for placing it before the Court along with a report.

- Moreover, it has strictly prohibited the issue of any privilege cards or extending special benefits to any participant, adding that all attendees must be treated solely as devotees without any preferential treatment.

- Additionally, the government and the TDB have been directed to prepare and execute a comprehensive crowd management plan, which should also ensure adequate parking facilities, so that the movement of the pilgrims remains unaffected.

- Adequate medical and emergency services must also be provided to safeguard the health and safety of all, the Court added.

The event is scheduled to be held at Pamba between September 16 and 21 as part of the TDB's platinum jubilee celebrations. However, the State government's role in conducting the event had sparked controversy, with critics accusing the State of politicising the religious spaces and misusing temple funds.

The State government had countered that the event was organised by the TDB and the State was only providing limited assistance for the event, which was aimed at showcasing Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage centre.

The objective of the event was to spread the universal message of 'Thathwamasi' and promote religious harmony and global unity, the State added.

The petitioners were represented by advocates Sajithkumar V, Krishna Raj, and Ajeesh Kalathil Gopi.

Advocate G Biju appeared for the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup K appeared for the state.

[Read live coverage]