Kerala High Court Appoints Retd Justice VG Arun As Chairman Of High Power Committee For Implementing Sabarimala Master Plan

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (April 7) appointed retired Justice V.G. Arun as the Chairman of the High Power Committee for implementation of the Sabarimala Master Plan.

The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar noted that since the previous Chairman, Retd. Justice S. Siri Jagan, had passed away earlier this year, it was necessary to appointment a new Chairman for ensuring continued and uninterrupted functioning of the Committee:

"Hon'ble Mr. Justice S. Siri Jagan passed away on 24.01.2026. In view of the demise, the High Power Committee is presently unable to effectively carry out its functions. For ensuring the continued and uninterrupted functioning of the Committee, the appointment of a new Chairman is urgently required. Having considered the entire facts and circumstances, we appoint Hon'ble Mr. Justice Arun V.G., learned Former Judge of this Court, as Chairman of the High Power Committee for implementation of the Sabarimala Master Plan."

The Sabarimala Master Plan was prepared and approved for implementation by the State government with the primary objective of catering to the essential needs of the pilgrims while also ensuring that the region's fragile ecological balance is protected.

Referring to the plan, the Court remarked:

"The plan comprehensively addressed multiple facets of the pilgrimage, including traffic and transport management, solid waste management, water supply and sanitation, development of base camps, pilgrimage logistics, healthcare infrastructure, communication systems, and disaster management. It further envisaged a phased implementation—an immediate phase to be completed before November 2007, a short-term phase to be completed prior to 2015, and a long-term phase extending up to the year 2050...from the financial year 2011–12 onwards, the Government of Kerala has consistently allocated funds through annual budgetary provisions for developmental activities at Sabarimala, amounting in total to ₹390.2 Crores up to the financial year 2025–26."

The Court had, in 2009, constituted the High Power Committee, which was vested with the powers of both the Apex Level Committee and the Working Level Committee constituted by the State Government, along with powers conferred by the Court from time to time.

It further emphasised some of the important roles played by the Chairman of the Committee, in addition to presiding over meetings and exercising overall supervision on the implementation of the Plan:

"Importantly, the Chairman acts as the vital link between this Court, the State Government, and the Travancore Devaswom Board. As the driving force behind the Committee, the Chairman is responsible for ensuring that the Master Plan is implemented in a time-bound and result-oriented manner. The Chairman is also entrusted with identifying priority works, ensuring phased execution in accordance with available resources, and maintaining continuous oversight over all developmental activities. Equally significant is the Chairman's obligation to safeguard the flora and fauna of the region and to ensure that no project undertaken compromises the ecological balance of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Western Ghats."

Referring its own recent directions to improve Sabarimala pilgrim management in a suo motu petition, the Court clarified that the intention was to supplement the efforts, not to encroach upon the functions of the High Power Committee and requested the latter to consider the aspects highlighted.

A further clarification was given that the High Power Committee to approach the Court if such intervention is considered necessary for the effective discharge of its functions.

Thus, the Court disposed of the petition.

Case No: HPCR(S) No. 1 of 2026

Case Title: The High Power Committee For Implemention of the Sabarimala Master Plan v. State of Kerala and Anr.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 194

Counsel for the petitioner: Sayujya Radhakrishnan - Standing Counsel

Counsel for the respondents: Rashmi K.M. - Senior Government Pleader, G. Biju - Standing Counsel - Travancore Devaswom Board

Click to Read/Download Order