HC Cuts Sabarimala Spot Booking From 20,000 to 5,000, Raps Authorities Over Crowd Mismanagement
Pathanamthitta: The High Court has imposed strict restrictions on spot booking at Sabarimala. The number of spot bookings has been reduced from 20,000 to 5,000. These restrictions will remain in effect until Monday.
According to the High Court’s directive, spot bookings must not exceed a maximum of 5,000. Earlier, the court had fixed the limit at 20,000, but bookings often exceeded that number. Neither the police nor the Travancore Devaswom Board was prepared to control this situation. The High Court intervened on the understanding that excessive spot booking could lead to an uncontrollable crowd situation.
Meanwhile, restrictions have also been imposed on the forest trekking route (Kananapatha). The High Court reduced the number of pilgrims allowed through this route to 5,000 as well. Only this number of devotees should be permitted to enter via the forest path, the court directed. The court also clarified that special passes must be issued by the Forest Department for this purpose. These restrictions will remain in place until Monday.
Earlier, the High Court had criticized the lack of proper coordination in crowd management at Sabarimala, stating that even the directions given by the Devaswom Board were not implemented. The court pointed out that the Devaswom Board failed to fulfill the assurances given regarding crowd control. Proper coordination was missing at Sabarimala, and preparations should have begun at least six months in advance, the court observed. Crowd management must be carried out scientifically, and this has not been happening at Sabarimala. The court also questioned the purpose of allowing an excessive number of pilgrims to enter the Sannidhanam.
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