Kerala High Court Allows Global Ayyappa Sangamam, Mandates Protection of Pampa River

The Kerala High Court has given its approval for the ‘Global Ayyappa Sangamam’, an event organized by the Travancore Devaswom Board, stating that it will not interfere with its conduct. However, the High Court emphasized the critical need to protect the sanctity of the Pampa river, a revered site for pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala temple.

In an interim order, a bench of the High Court issued specific directives regarding the event. It mandated that no permanent construction activities should be undertaken in the Pampa river region as part of the Sangamam. Furthermore, the court instructed the organizers to meticulously maintain all financial accounts related to the event and submit them to the Sabarimala Special Commissioner within 45 days.

The High Court’s decision comes after it had previously sought clarifications on the nature and objectives of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam. This move was prompted by several petitions filed before the court, which alleged that the event, purportedly held under the guise of devotion and tourism, was, in fact, a political and commercial venture. Petitioners had raised concerns about the event’s true purpose, its fundraising mechanisms, and the criteria used for selecting participants.

The court had requested detailed information to ensure transparency and adherence to regulations. After carefully reviewing the responses submitted by both the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board regarding these queries, the High Court ultimately decided against interfering with the Sangamam, provided its directives regarding Pampa’s protection and financial accountability are strictly followed.