Kerala High Court Closes Suo Motu Case On Unauthorized Helicopter Movement Over Sabarimala Temple After Explanation From Coast Guard

The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar noted that a crime has been registered at the Pamba Police Station for the offence under Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act [Penalty for causing grave violation of public order or danger] and that investigation revealed that the same belonged to the Indian Coast Guard.

When explanation was sought from the office of the Coast Guard, Kochi, it was stated the helicopter deviated from its path towards the temple area due to adverse weather conditions.

Since the investigation in the crime is being done under the supervision of the Additional Director General of Police and the Chief Police Coordinator at Sabarimala, the Court felt it fit to close the matter.

“We find that a crime has been registered… under Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act… In the course of investigation, it was revealed that the helicopter bore the marking “Bharatiya Thada Rakshak, CG 821” inscribed in Hindi and was identified as belonging to the Indian Coast Guard. Explanation was sought from the Office of the Coast Guard, Kochi, and they have responded by stating that the helicopter had deviated towards the temple area due to adverse weather conditions. We note that the Pamba Police is investigating the crime under the supervision of the Additional Director General of Police and the Chief Police Coordinator at Sabarimala,” the Court noted in its order.

Case No: SSCR No. 12 of 2026

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 281

Counsel for the respondents: Rashmi K.M. - Sr Government Pleader, G. Biju- Standing Counsel – TDB

Amicus Curiae: Sayujya Radhakrishnan

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