The Supreme Court will urgently hear a petition challenging the Kerala High Court’s approval of the “Global Ayyappa Sangamam” scheduled on 20 September 2025 at the Pamba River near Sabarimala.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today agreed to hear a petition challenging the Kerala High Court’s recent decision permitting the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the Kerala government to hold the “Global Ayyappa Sangamam” on 20 September 2025 at Pamba, a site revered by millions of Sabarimala devotees.
Background of the Case
On 11 September 2025, the Kerala High Court allowed the state and TDB to go ahead with the Sangamam at the banks of the Pamba River. Earlier, on 3 September 2025, the High Court had admitted a public interest litigation (PIL) questioning the legality and intent of the event and sought explanations from the Board regarding its nature, purpose, and financing.
The petitioner argued that the programme was essentially “political” in character, and therefore could not be permitted under the guise of a spiritual congregation in the name of Lord Ayyappa. He also urged the court to direct the removal of temporary structures erected near the shrine and along the Pamba river, warning that the sanctity of the holy site would otherwise be compromised.
Supreme Court’s Observations
Hearing the matter, a CJI Gavai-led bench noted that the submissions made so far were inadequate to explain the true nature of the event. The Court stressed that the Travancore Devaswom Board must act strictly within the framework of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950.
The bench underlined the spiritual importance of the venue, observing:
“The Pampa riverbank is to be treated with the highest sanctity, given its reverence as the Dakshina Ganga for Sabarimala devotees.”
It further reminded the Board of its obligations:
“Their duties and responsibilities are only to the religious institutions under the Act; bound in full by the trust, beliefs and conscience of the multitude of devotees on the deity.”
Defence of the Programme
Appearing for the TDB, standing counsel G. Biju defended the initiative, asserting that the Sangamam was envisioned to:
- Showcase Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage destination,
- Propagate the universal message of “Thathwamasi”,
- Promote religious harmony and global unity, and
- Mark the Platinum Jubilee of the Travancore Devaswom Board.
He clarified that no public exchequer funds or TDB resources would be used, and that the event would be financed entirely through private sponsorships.
The Court, however, expressed concern and directed that the sponsorship details must come from verifiable and credible sources, insisting on transparency in financial arrangements.
State Government’s Stand
Representing the Kerala government, Senior Government Pleader S. Kannan submitted that the state had no role in organising the Sangamam. Its participation, he said, would be limited to crowd management and logistical support, considering the large number of devotees expected to attend.
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