In Brief
- Kerala government rescinded decision to restore the Punyam Poonkavanam project in Sabarimala.
- The order had neglected a court directive about advisories for Sabarimala pilgrims during the 2023-24 festival season.
- The court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board and police to advise pilgrims the project isn’t part of Police Bandobast Scheme.
- The rollback aligns with the Madalam-Makaravilakku festival guidelines affecting pilgrim management.
The Kerala government has withdrawn its controversial order to reinstate the Punyam Poonkavanam project in the Sabarimala temple area. The earlier government decision overlooked a court directive requiring the Travancore Devaswom Board and the police to issue advisories informing pilgrims that the project was not included in the Police Bandobast Scheme for the Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival season of 2023-24.
The Punyam Poonkavanam project had raised concerns about compliance with the established legal framework governing pilgrim management and security arrangements during the significant annual festival. Following the directive, authorities needed to clarify the scope of police deployment and advisory notices to avoid confusion among devotees.
The government’s rollback indicates adherence to the court’s requirements and a step towards maintaining order and transparency in the delicate management of Sabarimala pilgrimage activities during the peak festival period.
Officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board and Kerala Police will continue to coordinate closely to ensure clear guidance reaches pilgrims regarding arrangements for the ongoing festival season.
