Supreme Court Refuses To Stop Global Ayyappa Devotees Meet At Sabarimala

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to interfere with the Kerala High Court's order, which allowed the conduct of the Global Ayyappa Devotees' meet on September 20 in the premises of Sabarimala Shrine and at the banks of the River Pamba.A bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice AS Chandurkar dismissed three petitions filed against the High Court's order, which allowed the Travancore Devaswom Board to hold the meet subject to certain conditions. The bench observed that the conditions laid down by the High Court should be followed.The petitioners contended that the holding of the event, where several delegates are expected to attend, at an ecologically sensitive area will lead to environmental problems.However, noting that the High Court already has considered the matter in detail and issued elaborate guidelines for the event, the Court refused to interfere. The Global Ayyappa Sangamam is an international congregation of Lord Ayyappa devotees, organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in association with the Kerala government, and scheduled for September 20, 2025 at Pampa. Its stated objectives include mobilising devotees globally, generating ideas and resources for the implementation of the Sabarimala Master Plan, and strengthening the pilgrimage's role as a unifying spiritual force.The petitioners, who raised concerns about the congregation within the Periyar Tiger reserve area, also opposed the event on the ground that holding such an event by a State entity would violate the principles of secularism.The High Court, in its order passed last week, observed that the conduct of the event cannot be said to be beyond the statutory powers and functions of the TDB. The State Government took the stand that it was only giving organisational support.The High Court issued the following directions for the event :"a) The Board shall hereafter exercise strict discretion to ensure that no event is conducted on the banks of the River Pampa in any manner that compromises its sanctity, whether by erecting permanent or temporary structures.b) During the days of the conclave and throughout the preparatory works, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) shall ensure that none of the rituals, ceremonies, or related functions are disturbed or diminished to the detriment of the devotees.c) Any temporary structures proposed for the event shall be strictly minimal, least intrusive, and specifically designed to prevent environmental degradation or disturbance to the sacred precincts.d) All necessary steps shall be taken to ensure that no plastic bottles, cups, or other non-biodegradable waste are used or generated. The sanctity and cleanliness of the River Pampa shall be preserved at all times, and immediate measures shall be implemented to remove any waste that may inadvertently arise.e) In view of the anticipated presence of several eminent persons, including Chief Ministers, Ministers of neighbouring States, and foreign dignitaries, the respondents shall ensure that the influx of such invitees does not, in any manner, impair the facilities or spiritual experience of ordinary pilgrims. Under no circumstance shall the ingress or egress of pilgrims be disrupted, whether on account of security arrangements or otherwise.f) The respondents shall maintain clear, detailed, and transparent accounts reflecting the total estimated cost of the event, including accommodation and travel expenses, together with the contributions received from sponsors. Such accounts shall be subject to audit, and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the Special Commissioner within forty-five (45) days of the event, for placement before this Hon'ble Court along with a report.g) No special privilege shall be extended to any participant. No “privilege cards,” whether akin to club memberships or otherwise, shall be issued.h) All participants shall be treated solely as devotees of Lord Ayyappa, and no special benefit or priority shall be accorded, either for visiting the temple or for any related purpose.i) A proper and comprehensive crowd-management plan shall be drawn up and scrupulously implemented to ensure that parking facilities and the movement of ordinary pilgrims remain entirely unaffected.j) Adequate medical and emergency facilities shall be established and maintained at the venue and in the surrounding areas to safeguard public health and safety.k) These directions are issued to guarantee that the event, if conducted, is undertaken in a manner that preserves the sanctity of Sabarimala, protects the environment, ensures financial transparency, and secures the rights, safety, and spiritual experience of ordinary pilgrims as paramount."Appearances :For Travancore Devaswom Board: Mr. V. Giri, Senior Advocate along with Mr. P. S. Sudheer, Mr. Bharat Sood, AdvocatesFor State of Kerala: Mr. Ranjit Kumar, Senior Advocate and Mr. C.K. Sasi, Advocate For the Petitioners: P.B. Krishnan, Senior Advocate and Mr. Vishnu, AdvocateCases : VC Ajikumar v....

Supreme Court Refuses To Stop Global Ayyappa Devotees Meet At Sabarimala

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