No Photography Permitted In Sanctum Of Sabarimala Temple, Except For Ceremonies And Festivals: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (November 28) ordered that photography is not permitted in the sanctum of Sabarimala temple especially in pathinettam padi (eighteen holy steps) and thirumuttam, except in connection with ceremonies and festivals. The Travancore Devaswom Board had earlier submitted before the Court that the pilgrims were taking photos and videos in the thirumuttam of Sabarimala using mobile phone in spite of there being boards installed banning such activities.During the hearing today, a division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S orally observed:“Vloggers or pilgrims cannot take photograph or videography while climbing pathinettam padi or when they are moving for darshan, especially near the upper thirumuttam.”The Court had earlier cautioned against taking photos in the Sabarimala emphasizing that the temple was placed in a Special Security Zone. The Chief Police Coordinator for Sabarimala submitted that appropriate action will be taken against the police officers who took photos standing in the pathinettam padi. The Court had enquired about the photo in one of the earlier dates of hearing.The Devaswom Board submitted that they are facing issues as pilgrims are throwing clothes to the roof of Malikapuram temple, pouring turmeric over the side walls of the temple and rolling coconut around the temple. The Court noted that these practices happened during the previous madalam-makaravilakku season also. The Court held that since this is not part of any ritual, the Devaswom Board shall make announcements through the Public Information System in Nilakkal, Pamba, Sannidhanam and trekking path that the pilgrims should avoid such practices while in Malikappuram temple. The Court observed that such acts can cause inconvenience to other pilgrims and should be avoided.Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Kerala and OthersCase No: SSCR 79 of 2024Click Here To Read/ Download Order

No Photography Permitted In Sanctum Of Sabarimala Temple, Except For Ceremonies And Festivals: Kerala High Court

Manju Elsa Isac

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