The Kerala High Court on Wednesday admitted a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) proposal to organise the Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Pamba, near the Sabarimala shrine.
The petition was filed by Ajeesh Kalathil Gopi, who appeared in person, contending that the event amounted to a political congregation being held in the name of Lord Ayyappa and should therefore not be permitted.
Responding to the plea, the TDB maintained that the Sangamam was aimed at showcasing Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage hub and spreading the universal message of “Thathwamasi” to promote harmony and unity. It further clarified that the event is also part of the Board’s platinum jubilee celebrations.
A division bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Syam Kumar V M recorded the Board’s submission that neither public funds nor temple revenue would be utilised for the programme, and that it would be financed solely through sponsorships.
The bench, however, stressed the need for transparency in funding. “This issue is crucially important because ‘sponsorships,’ as the TDB now says, ought to be from verifiable and credible sources alone,” the court observed.
It also underscored that the TDB must ensure all activities remain strictly within its statutory obligations under the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950. “They must bear in mind that their duties and responsibilities are only to the religious institutions under the Act, bound fully by the trust, beliefs, and conscience of the multitude of devotees of the deity,” the bench added.
The state government, represented by its counsel, submitted that its involvement would be limited to crowd management, given the anticipated large turnout at Pamba, which is revered by devotees as the Dakshina Ganga.
The High Court directed the TDB to submit complete details of the event, including its schedule and financial sources, before the next hearing. The matter has been posted for further consideration on September 9.
