Kerala HC Closes Suo Motu Case on Chemical Kumkum at Sabarimala
The Kerala High Court has closed its suo motu proceedings concerning the sale and use of chemical kumkum at the Sabarimala temple, noting that authorities have already taken sufficient enforcement measures.
A Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar was hearing the matter, which originally arose from concerns raised in the Sabarimala Special Commissioner’s report on pilgrim facilities during the peak festival season.
The Bench noted that inspections were carried out during the pilgrimage period and prohibited synthetic kumkum was seized wherever violations were detected. Authorities also informed the Court that regular monitoring will continue to prevent the sale of unsafe or banned products in and around the temple premises.
The case was initiated based on reports highlighting the use of artificial kumkum and its possible health and environmental risks during festival rituals. The Court had earlier directed strict checks and regulatory action.
Since the pilgrimage season has now concluded and compliance measures are in place, the Bench held that no further orders were required and formally closed the proceedings.
However, the Court said that the Travancore Devaswom Board should continue awareness efforts, urging pilgrims to use natural kumkum and avoid prohibited plastic products in future seasons. It also directed that public advisories be circulated through print and digital media ahead of the next pilgrimage cycle.