Expressing displeasure over the police driving out the aged, women and children from the Nadapandal at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, a division bench of the Kerala High Court has orally observed that these pilgrims should be permitted to stay on at the Nadapandanal.

The bench of Justice PR Ramachandran and Justice N Anil Kumar also observed that the people from far off places visiting Sabarimala could not be prevented from using the Nadapanthal. Of course, the police could check their identity, it said.

 

The court also observed that the unruly behaviour of certain sections of people in recent times had aggravated the situation at Sabarimala, which has been turned into a “war zone.”

The court urged everybody to cooperate and show the unity that was witnessed during the flood situation to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage for the devotees.

The court made these observations when a bunch of writ petitions relating to the Sabarimala incidents came up for hearing.

Bus service

The court also directed the KSRTC to provide round-the-clock services to Pampa from Nilakkal. The chain service to Pampa from Nilakkal should be maintained uninterrupted, it said.

Emphasising the need for a proper management of the crowd control at Sabarimala and other areas, the Bench directed the State Police Chief to file an affidavit about the police personnel appointed at Sabarimala and their credentials and experiences in the crowd management

The court also directed the State government to file an affidavit detailing various restrictions imposed on pilgrims at Nilakkal, Pampa and Sannidhanam.

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