Isabella Mariam

The High Court of Kerala, Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar, declined to restrain the conduct of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam scheduled to be held on the banks of the Pampa River on September 20, 2025. The Court addressed writ petitions alleging that the event, organized by the Travancore Devaswom Board with government support, was beyond statutory powers and amounted to a political exercise funded from public and Devaswom resources. Noting the stated purpose of the conclave to project Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage centre and to incorporate inputs for the long-term Master Plan, the Bench held that the event could proceed. At the same time, it issued detailed directions to ensure the sanctity of Sabarimala, protect the environment of the Pampa, maintain financial transparency, and safeguard the rights and facilities of ordinary pilgrims

A series of writ petitions, including public interest litigations, were filed challenging the decision of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to conduct the Global Ayyappa Sangamam scheduled for 20 September 2025 on the banks of the Pampa River. The petitioners, consisting of devotees and political activists, argued that the event was organized with government involvement, giving it a political colour under the guise of a religious conclave.

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They contended that the purpose of projecting Sabarimala as a global spiritual centre fell outside the statutory scope of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950. It was alleged that the Government’s investment of public funds for propagation of “Tat Tvam Asi” amounted to unconstitutional promotion of religion. The petitioners argued that use of Devaswom funds for the conclave would contravene Sections 15, 15A, 25, 31, and 33 of the Act, which limit the Board’s functions to temple administration and pilgrim facilities. They also asserted that holding the event on the banks of the sacred Pampa converted Sabarimala into a form of commercial religious tourism.

In response, the Travancore Devaswom Board stated that the Sangamam was conceived as part of its Platinum Jubilee, intended to bring together around 3,000 devotees, commemorate its 75-year journey, and showcase traditions and developmental projects. It highlighted that the conclave would provide a structured platform for interaction with devotees and the Government about infrastructural needs. The Board asserted that the Sangamam advanced the objectives of the long-term Sabarimala Master Plan, approved by the Government with a projected outlay of Rs. 1,300 crores. The State supported the event, asserting its constitutional duty to provide safety and infrastructure for large congregations, and maintained that funding was primarily through sponsorships and voluntary contributions with statutory audits for accountability.

The Court recorded: “The conclave is a one-day event and about 3000 delegates are expected to partake in the congregation, which is to be held on the banks of the Holy River Pamba, which is considered as the gateway to Sannidhanam.”

It stated: “The key objectives of the Sangamam, as borne out from the materials placed before us, are to project Sabarimala as a universal symbol of spiritual harmony and to inspire global reflection on sacred discipline and shared humanity.”

The Bench observed: “From the records placed before us, it can be seen that the Travancore Devaswom Board seeks to highlight ongoing developmental and preservation efforts, while simultaneously promoting the cultural, spiritual, and pilgrimage tourism dimensions of Sabarimala.”

The Court recorded: “Another avowed objective is the strengthening of community bonds and the reaffirmation of Kerala’s role as a custodian of a living spiritual tradition. While it is true that the objectives, as worded, may not have been felicitously expressed, the ultimate purpose that underlies them is both sublime and legitimate, and cannot be faulted.”

Referring to the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, the Court stated: “Section 15A of the Act sets out the duties of the Board, which include ensuring proper rites and ceremonies, monitoring functioning of employees, maintaining Hindu religious institutions, and providing facilities for devotees. In this context, organizing a conclave with objectives tied to sustainable development and pilgrim facilities falls within the statutory framework.”

The Court further observed: “The apprehension that the event would undermine the sanctity of Sabarimala or amount to political misuse cannot be accepted, as the objectives and arrangements as recorded are in conformity with statutory responsibilities and broader public interest.”

The Bench stated: “In view of the foregoing discussion, we find no reason to interdict the conduct of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam scheduled to be held on the banks of the River Pampa on 20.09.2025.”

The High Court issued the following directions:

“The Board shall hereafter exercise strict discretion to ensure that no event is conducted on the banks of the River Pampa in any manner that compromises its sanctity, whether by erecting permanent or temporary structures. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) shall ensure that none of the rituals, ceremonies, or related functions are disturbed or diminished to the detriment of the devotees.”

“Any temporary structures proposed for the event shall be strictly minimal, least intrusive, and specifically designed to prevent environmental degradation or disturbance to the sacred precincts.”

“All necessary steps shall be taken to ensure that no plastic bottles, cups, or other non-biodegradable waste are used or generated. The sanctity and cleanliness of the River Pampa shall be preserved at all times, and immediate measures shall be implemented to remove any waste that may inadvertently arise.”

“In view of the anticipated presence of several eminent persons, including Chief Ministers, Ministers of neighbouring States, and foreign dignitaries, the respondents shall ensure that the influx of such invitees does not, in any manner, impair the facilities or spiritual experience of ordinary pilgrims. Under no circumstance shall the ingress or egress of pilgrims be disrupted, whether on account of security arrangements or otherwise.”

“The respondents shall maintain clear, detailed, and transparent accounts reflecting the total estimated cost of the event, including accommodation and travel expenses, together with the contributions received from sponsors. Such accounts shall be subject to audit, and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the Special Commissioner within forty-five (45) days of the event, for placement before this Hon’ble Court along with a report.”

“No special privilege shall be extended to any participant. No ‘privilege cards,’ whether akin to club memberships or otherwise, shall be issued.” It was ordered that all participants “shall be treated solely as devotees of Lord Ayyappa, and no special benefit or priority shall be accorded, either for visiting the temple or for any related purpose.”

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“A proper and comprehensive crowd-management plan shall be drawn up and scrupulously implemented to ensure that parking facilities and the movement of ordinary pilgrims remain entirely unaffected.”

“Adequate medical and emergency facilities shall be established and maintained at the venue and in the surrounding areas to safeguard public health and safety.”

The directives were issued to guarantee that the event is undertaken in a manner that preserves the sanctity of Sabarimala, protects the environment, ensures financial transparency, and secures the rights, safety, and spiritual experience of ordinary pilgrims as paramount.

Advocates Representing the Parties

For the Petitioners: Sri. R. Krishna Raj, Advocate; Sri. Sajith Kumar, Advocate; Sri. Ajeesh Kalathil Gopi, Advocate

For the Respondents: Sri. S. Rajmohan, Senior Government Pleader; Sri. Manoj Kumar N., State Attorney; Sri. K. Gopalakrishna Kurup, Advocate General; Sri. G. Biju, Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board

Case Title: V.C. Ajikumar & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Ors.

Case Number: WP(C) No. 32854 of 2025 & connected cases

Bench: Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V, Justice K.V. Jayakumar