Kerala HC Urges State, TDB to Preserve Sabarimala Sanctity During Global Ayyappa Sangamam

Quick Summary

• The kerala High Court directed the State government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to ensure that the Global Ayyappa Sangamam planned at Pampa on September 20 does not affect the sanctity of Sabarimala temple or the Pampa River.
• The court emphasized minimal and eco-amiable infrastructure for the event and banned plastic items while mandating immediate waste clearance to preserve cleanliness.
• Access to Sabarimala temple for regular devotees must be unaffected, with no special privileges extended to participants or dignitaries attending the event. Proper crowd management plans are required,ensuring parking and movement of pilgrims remain smooth.
• Petitioners claimed that hosting a conclave under government initiatives violates secular duties, alleging it is a politically motivated event instead of a purely religious one. They argued public funds were being used unconstitutionally for promoting religious objectives like “Tat Tvam Asi.”
• TDB clarified in its counter affidavit that this is a spiritual, cultural, and developmental initiative with global participation marking its Platinum Jubilee, aiming to position Sabarimala as an international pilgrimage center.
• The court accepted government’s clarification about providing only logistical support but insisted on transparent accounting by TDB, subjecting all expenditures to statutory audits.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The Kerala High Court’s directions aim at balancing respect for religious sentiments with constitutional safeguards against state-sponsored religious activities. This case highlights critical questions about governance priorities where religion intersects public administration in India-a country constitutionally mandated as secular yet deeply steeped in faith-based cultural traditions.

While opponents argue that organizing such events risks politicizing religion or overstepping constitutional boundaries paying undue attention using public resources playout judicially addressing protects safeguards accountability frequently

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