Kerala High Court Allows Global Ayyappa Sangamam with Strict Conditions
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has allowed the Global Ayyappa Sangamam to be held on the banks of the Pampa River, but with strict rules to protect the sanctity of Sabarimala and the rights of pilgrims.
A Division Bench of Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar dismissed petitions against the event, while directing the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to ensure that no temporary or permanent structures are set up in a way that harms the pampa sanctity.
The court said the rituals and spiritual experience of ordinary pilgrims should not be disturbed during the event or its preparations. It also ordered that security for VIPs, including the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, must not block or delay devotees.
Financial transparency was also stressed. The TDB must keep clear accounts of all expenses, get them audited, and submit a report within 45 days. The court further directed the government and TDB to prepare a crowd management plan, including parking arrangements, so that pilgrims are not inconvenienced.
The event, set for September 16–20 as part of TDB’s platinum jubilee, has drawn criticism. Petitioners feared temple funds could be misused, while political leaders accused the government of politicising Sabarimala.
BJP leader Rajiv Chandrasekhar warned against the participation of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, recalling past controversies at the shrine. Congress leaders too demanded clarifications and even an apology from the Chief Minister for the 2018 Sabarimala issue.
Though cleared by the court, the Global Ayyappa Sangamam remains a subject of debate in the state.