Kerala High Court Issues Directions To Curb Illegal Sale Of “Adi Sishtam Ghee” & Mislabelled Honey Used In Sabarimala Rituals

The Kerala High Court on Friday (28 November) issued directions to curb the illegal sale of “Adi Sishtam Ghee” and the incorrect packing of honey used for temple rituals at Sabarimala.The division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar issued the order based on the report submitted by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala.The Report submitted by the Special Commissioner, pursuant to the inspection carried out by the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer in the rooms occupied by the Melshathi and Ulkazhakam, revealed that “Adi Sishtam Ghee” was being sold by the Saha Sannthies to devotees in plastic cans for Rs. 100/-.The Bench observed that such unauthorised activities undermine the sanctity of the rituals, compromise transparency, and create opportunities for exploitation of unsuspecting devotees.The Court noted that appropriate action shall be initiated against the individuals who have engaged in unauthorised activities and issued the following directions: i) A ban on Melshanthis and Santhis from collecting or selling ghee received from devotees after performing Neyyabhishekham. ii) Directed the Melshathis of Sannidhanam and Malikappuram, and the Santhis of Ulkazhakam to hand over ghee stored in vessels or container in their rooms to the competent authorities of the Travancore Devaswom Board. iii) Ghee Abhishekams to be performed only against valid Neyyabhishekam tickets issued by the Devaswom, ensuring tickets are issued only in proportion to the number of coconuts offered.iv) Discontinuation of the practice of conducting ghee abhishekham at rooms of Thanthri, Melshanthi, or Ulkazhakam. The Court has also examined issues related to honey supplied for poojas. It was found that Regional Agro Industrial Development Cooperative of Kerala Ltd. (RAIDCO), the agency responsible for supply, had stored honey in containers with incorrect or misleading labels, raising potential food safety violations.The Bench directed RAIDCO to ensure that honey must henceforth be stored and supplied only in containers with proper FSSAI-compliant labels.The Standing Counsel of Travancore Devaswom Board has been instructed to furnish details regarding the protocol followed for handling Neyyabhishekam ghee.The matter has been posted for further consideration on December 3, 2025.Case Title: Suo Motu v State of KeralaCase No: SSCR 42/ 2025Click Here To Read/ Download Interim Order

Kerala High Court Issues Directions To Curb Illegal Sale Of “Adi Sishtam Ghee” & Mislabelled Honey Used In Sabarimala Rituals

Anamika MJ

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