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As the authorities search to regulate the forthcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season in Sabarimala in view of COVID-19, the Kerala High Court has requested the federal government to reconsider a few of its proposals with “wiseful suggestions” from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
In a current order, the Division Bench comprising Justice C.T. Ravikumar and Justice {K}. Haripal famous that none representing the TDB was included within the Chief Secretary-led committee constituted by the State authorities to resolve on crowd administration throughout the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season. It additional gave the Board the freedom to submit acceptable proposals with all required particulars to allow the committee to revisit its choice on capping the variety of pilgrims on week days and weekends.
On annadanam
The court docket additionally raised concern over a call by the State authorities to serve annadanam (free meals) in “limited quantities” and requested the TDB to take acceptable steps to guarantee its provide to the pilgrims. “The pilgrims from faraway places, after tiresome trekking, should be given free food to satisfy the appetite. The concept of giving annadanam in limited quantity is alien to the concept of annadanam, especially in Sabarimala,” the order stated.
On viri at Nilakkal
Similarly, the court docket discovered the choice not to allow devotees arrange viri (non permanent shed) at Nilakkal, the bottom camp of Sabarimala, unacceptable. If the ability presently out there on the location isn’t ample sufficient to accommodate the pilgrims to keep for some hour earlier than continuing to or after getting back from the hill shrine, preparations ought to be made.
“This is essential because if pilgrims from faraway places reach Nilakkal during night, they may not be able to proceed to Sannidhanam straight away. So also there is no justification for virtually requiring the devotees who return from Sannidhanam after 9.30 p.m. and reach Nilakkal to leave Nilakkal during the late hours,” learn the order.
Light automobiles permitted
As in opposition to the choice to prohibit non-public automobiles past Nilakkal, the court docket additionally permitted gentle automobiles with a seating capability of 15 to ply past the purpose for dropping and selecting up devotees from Pampa. According to the court docket, the choice, to sure extent, will act as an efficient measure for containment of the pandemic.
Noting that the motion of TDB officers and staff of assorted departments by means of the digital queue would possibly create undue difficulties, the court docket known as for additional dialogue on the matter to take an acceptable choice in adherence to the security protocols.
Earlier, Sabarimala Special Commissioner and District Judge M. Manoj had submitted a report earlier than the court docket detailing the challenges concerned in conducting the pilgrimage in view of COVID-19.
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