Sabarimala Mandala Season: Kerala High Court Finds Security Plan “Comprehensive”, Directs ADGP To Ensure No Lapses
Anamika MJ
6 Dec 2025 11:30 AM IST
The Kerala High Court on Friday (05 December) expressed satisfaction with the report submitted by the Additional Director General of Police and Chief Co-ordinator, Sabarimala regarding the crowd management strategies intended to ensure safety at Sannidhanam during the Mandala Makaravilakku season.
The division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar, considering the suo proceedings initiated regarding the crowd management during the Makaravilakku season observed:
“We find the report to be satisfactory, comprehensive, and well thought out.”
The Court reviewed the special bandobust arrangement at Sannidhanam, which are undertaken routinely, every December considering the heightened sensitivity during this period due to the past incidents due to overcrowding.
The report detailed the proposed deployment of security personnel, access-control measures, surveillance protocols, intelligence coordination, and crowd-management strategies to ensure a calm and safe atmosphere to prevent untoward incidents.
The Court directed the Chief-Coordinator to ensure that all precautionary measures are implemented without exception.
“It shall be his responsibility to see that no stone is left unturned in strengthening the security architecture, maintaining seamless inter-agency coordination, and preserving a smooth, secure, and safe environment at Sannidhanam throughout the critical period.” Court concluded
The bench had previously capped the spot booking to 5,000 per day and virtual Q booking to 75,000 per day. Thereafter, on November 21, it had permitted the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to making slight modifications to the spot booking cap after noting that the crowd density and inflow of pilgrims had significantly reduced.
The matter is posted on 17 December for further consideration.
Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Kerala
Case No: SSCR 37/ 2025