Kerala High Court Mandates Enhanced Crowd Management for Sabarimala Pilgrimage

Court Directs Formation of Expert Committee to Oversee Infrastructure and Safety Measures Amid Surging Pilgrim Numbers

In a significant directive aimed at ensuring the safety and dignity of devotees during the Mandala-Makaravilakku Season at Sabarimala, the Kerala High Court has mandated a series of measures to address the unprecedented influx of pilgrims. The decision comes amid concerns over crowd management challenges, with daily footfalls far exceeding the capacity limits previously established.

The court has highlighted the importance of scientific and professional planning in managing the pilgrimage, which draws millions of devotees annually to the Sannidhanam, located within the ecologically sensitive Periyar Tiger Reserve. Recognizing the limitations of temporary and reactive measures, the bench comprising Mr. Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to constitute a Sabarimala Infrastructure & Crowd Management Expert Committee. This committee will include specialists in transport engineering, urban planning, civil engineering, crowd science, environmental science, public health, and IT systems.

The judgment emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive planning before the next pilgrimage season, mandating the committee to devise a scientific master plan. This plan will include determining the carrying capacity of pilgrimage nodes, conducting GIS-based amenity audits, and establishing density-based safety thresholds in accordance with global crowd safety standards.

In response to the current season's challenges, the court has capped Virtual-Q bookings at 70,000 and spot bookings at 5,000 per day. It has instructed the shift of real-time booking counters to Nilakkal for better accommodation of pilgrims. The establishment of an Integrated Control Room for real-time decision-making has also been ordered, to monitor crowd densities and facilitate effective management.

The court has relaxed restrictions on the Devaswom Minister's role, allowing coordination meetings to ensure seamless operation of services during the pilgrimage. The involvement of the Minister is deemed essential for managing the extensive operations required during the pilgrimage season.

The directive underscores the need for long-term preparedness and institutional frameworks to replace ad hoc and fragmented responses, aiming for a sustainable, safe, and scientifically managed pilgrimage system.

Bottom Line:

Proper crowd management and planning are essential for safe and dignified pilgrimages during the Mandala-Makaravilakku Season at Sabarimala. Judicial directives emphasize the importance of scientific, professional, and year-round planning and the establishment of a Sabarimala Infrastructure & Crowd Management Expert Committee.

Statutory provision(s): Pilgrimage Management.

Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2811122