The Kerala High Court criticized dolly operators’ strike at Sabarimala during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival, stating that protests disrupt the sacred pilgrimage and harm devotees, especially vulnerable groups. The court emphasized prior communication for grievances, mandated authorities to prevent further disruptions, and scheduled follow-up hearings, underscoring the importance of crowd management and public safety at the site.
Kerala: The Kerala High Court has strongly criticised a flash strike by dolly operators at Sabarimala, highlighting that the sacred pilgrimage site cannot be disrupted during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season. The Bench, comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S, was hearing a suo motu case concerning the protests by dolly workers against the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) decision to introduce prepaid counters for dolly services.
“The Dolly workers at Sabarimala cannot be permitted to stage any protest at Sabarimala, which is a place of worship,”
the court stated. It emphasized that strikes during the critical festival season adversely impact the rights of devotees, especially senior citizens, children, and disabled pilgrims who rely on dolly services to navigate the challenging trek between Pamba and the Sannidhanam.
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The court noted that grievances by dolly workers should have been raised “well in advance” and not during the festival season, which requires seamless coordination for a hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
The High Court reiterated that Sabarimala is designated as a Special Security Zone under the Kerala Police Act, 2011, making crowd management and public safety paramount. Citing the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950, the court reminded the TDB of its responsibility to ensure smooth facilities for devotees.
The Bench directed authorities, including the TDB, Chief Police Coordinator, District Police Chief, District Collector of Pathanamthitta, and Station House Officers at Pamba and Sannidhanam, to prevent further disruptions by dolly workers or others.
“Take necessary steps to ensure that no protest or strike from the side of the Dolly workers or others, adversely affecting crowd management at Sabarimala… takes place,”
the court ordered.
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The court has directed the Chief Police Coordinator and the TDB’s Executive Officer to submit detailed reports on the measures taken by December 9, 2024, and posted the matter for further hearing on December 6, 2024.
Legal Representation
- Senior Government Pleader S Rajamohan appeared for the State.
- Advocate Sayujya Radhakrishnan assisted as Amicus Curiae.
This judgment underscores the court’s firm stance on preserving the sanctity of Sabarimala and ensuring an unhindered pilgrimage experience for devotees during one of its most significant festival seasons.
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