Sabarimala Virtual Queue System to Be Upgraded to Block Multiple Bookings Using Different IDs by the Same Person
Thiruvananthapuram: A recommendation has been submitted to the Kerala High Court to overhaul the Sabarimala virtual queue booking system to prevent a single pilgrim from holding multiple active bookings for different dates.
In a report submitted to the High Court, Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan recommended software modifications after authorities found instances of pilgrims securing virtual queue slots on consecutive dates by using different identity documents.
At present, pilgrims can book virtual queue passes using valid photo identity documents, including national identity cards and voter ID cards. Pilgrims aged between 5 and 18 are also permitted to use school or college identity cards. However, the existing system does not have a mechanism to identify a person who makes one booking with a particular ID and subsequently makes another booking for a different date using a second identity document.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The issue came to light during the Onam festival opening, when authorities identified a person who had secured virtual queue slots for three consecutive days — August 24, 25 and 26 — by using different identity documents.
The proposed software upgrade is intended to prevent multiple active bookings by the same individual, thereby ensuring fairer access to virtual queue slots for devotees.