Court orders corrective measures for sanitation, staff deployment, and transparency in Padi Pooja bookings to maintain temple sanctity.
In a significant move, the Kerala High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of various issues surrounding the administration and rituals at the Sabarimala Temple during the recent Kumbha Masa Pooja. The judgment, delivered by Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar, addresses critical concerns about sanitation, ritual management, and the transparency of booking systems for religious ceremonies at the temple.
The court was apprised of sanitation issues at the Sannidhanam due to inadequate deployment of cleaning staff. The Travancore Devaswom Board, responsible for temple management, acknowledged the shortfall and assured corrective measures to prevent future lapses. This was a notable concern as it directly impacts the hygiene and sanctity of the pilgrimage site.
A pressing issue highlighted in the court was the accumulation of coins in the temple's Bhandaram due to insufficient staff for counting. The board explained that simultaneous festivals at other temples necessitated the redeployment of regular staff, making it challenging to assign daily wage workers to this sensitive task. The court was informed that steps have been taken to expedite the counting process and resolve pending issues.
Furthermore, the shortfall in police personnel deployment during the Kumbha Masa Poojas was addressed. Only 336 personnel were deployed against a requirement of 450, raising security concerns. The government assured the court that specific instructions would be obtained to comply with the Bandobast Scheme, ensuring adequate security measures.
The court also dealt with the structural and safety concerns arising from the substantial accumulation of rice sacks due to contractor non-compliance. The court directed prompt action for their removal, emphasizing the potential risks to structural stability and stock damage.
In a significant directive, the court ordered an investigation into alleged fraudulent bookings in the Padi Pooja system. Reports revealed misuse where individuals booked slots using fictitious details, potentially transferring them for financial gain. The court emphasized the need for transparency and integrity in the booking process, instructing the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer to secure all related records for judicial scrutiny.
The court also addressed the alleged violation of the Kuthaka agreement concerning Pulpaya supply, with assurances from authorities of alternate arrangements to maintain supply continuity.
The Kerala High Court's proactive stance underscores its commitment to ensuring administrative efficiency, ritual sanctity, and transparency at one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites.
Bottom Line:
Issues concerning sanitation, ritual management, and administrative transparency at Sabarimala Temple during Kumbha Masa Pooja addressed by Kerala High Court.
Statutory provision(s): None explicitly mentioned in the judgment.
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2860189
