With around 150 cardiac events reported in Sabarimala during each Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, out of which 40 to 42 devotees die, the Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to prepare a protocol, including detailed health advisory, to ensure the health, safety and orderly movement of pilgrims.
The minutes must be uploaded on the website of the board and published through the media in multiple languages, in addition to public notices, banners. and SMS notification within seven days. Devotees must have adequate rest breaks on the stretch to avoid over-exertion, the court said, referring to the Sabarimala Special Commissioner’s report which spoke of eight such deaths being reported in the first eight days of the season.
Rescue service
The court also referred to the report on the need for an ambulance to shift the bodies of deceased devotees from Sannidhanam to Pampa while considering the suo motu proceedings. Their bodies are now being carried in stretchers, causing considerable suffering and inconvenience to the relatives of the deceased.
The Special Commissioner sought a directive to use the old ambulance stationed at Pampa for this purpose. The board has already decided to use an ambulance to transport their remains, the court was informed.
Ghee, honey
The court also ordered that steps be taken to end the “illegal sale” of “Aditya Sishtam Ghee” at Melshanti rooms in Sannidhanam and Malikappuram and improper packaging of honey for various pujas. This also followed a Special Commissioner’s report on the issue
Citing a “covert inspection” that unearthed the disturbing practice of selling ghee to devotees in plastic tins for ₹100, the court said the practice was condemnable and unacceptable.
Such clandestine activities undermined the sanctity of rituals, disrupted transparency and created opportunities to exploit unsuspecting devotees. Steps must be taken to end this practice, Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar said.
The court also directed the Regional Agro-Industrial Cooperative to ensure that honey is stored and supplied only in containers labeled and certified in accordance with the FSAAI. The matter was posted for hearing on December 3.
Published – 29 Nov 2025 20:42 IST
