Kerala High Court limits media access in Sabarimala to those holding ID cards issued by TDB

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (November 14) passed two orders to regulate media access to the Sabarimala temple and to ensure pilgrim safety ahead of the Mandala Makaravilakku festival.

The matter was also taken up today, when the Court passed additional directions to ensure the safety of Sabarimala pilgrims.

In an order passed yesterday, the Bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S directed that media access be limited to those holding an ID card issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

To this end, the Court directed the TDB to issue ID cards to accredited media personnel. The order was passed after accepting a recommendation made to this effect by the Special Commissioner in charge of security at Sabarimala.

"The Board is directed to issue identity cards for media persons on a written recommendation by the Head of a print media having registration with Registrar of Newspapers of India or Visual Media having licence with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, based on the recommendation of the 6th respondent Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (Superintendent of Police)," the Court said.

Only those with ID cards will be allowed to access rooms allotted for the accommodation of media at Sabarimala, the Court added.

"Persons holding identity cards alone shall be permitted to remain at Sannidhanam, since the entry of pilgrims to Sabarimala is regulated by Virtual-Q booking and spot booking, against available slots," the Court further said.

In a separate order passed the same day, the High Court ordered the Transport Commissioner to ensure road safety and traffic management for the safety of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala.

"We deem it appropriate to direct the 6th respondent Transport Commissioner, through the Enforcement Officers in the Motor Vehicles Department, to take necessary steps to ensure strict compliance of the directions contained in the orders of this Court in SSCR Nos.20 of 2021 and 30 of 2023 in letter and spirit, during Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season of 1200ME (2024-25), in order to ensure safe and comfortable pilgrimage to all pilgrims," the Court said.

During today's hearing of the matter, the Court added that Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses transporting Sabarimala pilgrims must have up to date fitness certificates. The Court also called for a report from the Special Officer, KSRTC, Pamba by next week.

Additionally, sanitation teams, known as Vishudhi Sena, were directed to be stationed at Sannidhanam, Pandithavalam, and base camps of Sabarimala to maintain hygiene standards.

Twenty-one personnel trained in CPR and emergency evacuation have been assigned to critical trekking paths to assist pilgrims, the Court was told.

An executive magistrate, under the direct supervision of the Additional District Magistrate (an IAS officer), will monitor district administration activities to ensure compliance with earlier court orders to prevent exploitation by traders, and provide essential facilities at Sannidhanam, Nilakkal, Pamba, and trekking routes, the Court added.

In yesterday's hearing, the Court also reviewed a report submitted by the State's Transport Commissioner on the implementation of a 'safe zone project' across the key pilgrimage routes, to address the challenges posed by increased road traffic during the pilgrimage season.

The ‘safe zone project’ for the Sabarimala pilgrimage spans 250 kilometers across Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki districts. It includes three control rooms: a master control room at Elavunkal and two sub-control rooms at Erumeli and Kuttikkanam, each staffed with officials to manage safety. Twenty patrolling squads are also deployed on key routes like Pamba-Chalakkayam and Elavunkal-Pathanamthitta.

The project further features an Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system at Elavunkal to monitor vehicle movement, capturing registration details for better traffic control and security. Quick Response Teams (QRT) are stationed in the control rooms, ready to respond to emergencies with support from recovery vehicles and towing services.

A total of 78 officials are assigned to manage the project during the initial phase. The Regional Transport Offices in Kottayam and Idukki will oversee operations, with the Deputy Transport Commissioner, South Zone, acting as the Nodal Officer to ensure smooth coordination, the Court was told.

[Read November 14 orders]