Kiran Raj

The Supreme Court Division Bench of Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice A.S. Chandurkar on Wednesday 17^th September  declined to interfere with the Kerala High Court’s decision permitting the conduct of the Global Ayyappa Devotees’ Meet at the Sabarimala shrine and on the banks of the River Pamba on September 20, 2025.

The Bench dismissed three special leave petitions challenging the High Court’s order, which had allowed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to organise the event subject to strict conditions. The apex court noted that the High Court had already considered the matter in detail and directed that its guidelines must be followed.

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The petitions argued that hosting a large-scale congregation in the ecologically fragile Periyar Tiger Reserve would lead to environmental harm. They also contended that a state-backed event of this nature would run contrary to the principles of secularism.

The High Court, however, held that the event fell within the statutory powers and functions of the TDB, and the Kerala government clarified that its role was limited to providing organisational support.

The Global Ayyappa Sangamam, an international congregation of Lord Ayyappa devotees, is being organised by the TDB in association with the state government. The stated objectives include mobilising devotees worldwide, generating resources for implementing the Sabarimala Master Plan, and reinforcing the pilgrimage’s role as a unifying spiritual force.

The Kerala High Court, while permitting the event, issued a comprehensive set of directions to ensure environmental protection, financial transparency, and preservation of the sanctity of Sabarimala. These are as follows:

1. 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.

2. During the days of the conclave and throughout the preparatory works, 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. No special privilege shall be extended to any participant. No “privilege cards,” whether akin to club memberships or otherwise, shall be issued.

8. 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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9. 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.

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

11. These directions are issued to guarantee that the event, if conducted, 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.

Case Title: VC Ajikumar v. State of Kerala; PS Mahendra Kumar v. State of Kerala; Ajeesh Kalathil Gopi v. State of Kerala
Case Number: SLP(C) No. 26732/2025; Diary No. 52637/2025; SLP(C) No. 26640/2025
Bench: Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha, Justice A.S. Chandurkar