No Chemical Kumkum or Plastic Shampoo Sachets at Sabarimala: Kerala HC
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has reaffirmed its ban on the sale of chemically made kumkum and plastic shampoo sachets at Sabarimala, stressing that the safety of devotees and the protection of the hill shrine’s environment are more important than business interests.
A division bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar issued the order while reviewing arrangements for the Mandalam–Makaravilakku season, which begins on November 17. The court noted that chemical kumkum used during rituals like Pettathullal and the disposal of shampoo sachets near streams such as Valiyathodu in Erumeli were causing serious pollution.
The court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to strictly enforce the ban at Pamba and Sannidhanam and to consider setting up nets or small check dams to prevent waste buildup in streams.
Rejecting pleas from stall owners who argued that the ban would cause losses, the court said that only natural or organic kumkum could be sold, provided its purity is certified.
“Our main concern is the ecology of Sabarimala and the safety of pilgrims, not commercial interests,” the bench observed.
The court also cited Article 51A of the Constitution, reminding citizens of their duty to protect the environment, noting that chemical kumkum often contains harmful substances such as lead oxide and mercury sulphide, which can harm both people and aquatic life.