The Kerala High Court has directed a police investigation into alleged irregularities in the issuance of health cards to employees at Sabarimala, while requiring the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to accept only health certificates issued by government medical officers in Kerala.
A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar directed the Superintendent of Police, Pathanamthitta District, to ensure a proper investigation into the complaint filed by the Health Inspector of Sannidhanam concerning allegedly illegal health cards.
The Court ordered that appropriate legal proceedings be initiated against those responsible if the allegations are established and the involvement of any individual is confirmed.
Government-Issued Health Certificates Made Mandatory
The Bench directed the TDB to ensure that employees engaged under various exclusive arrangements, as well as those working in shops and establishments governed by the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act or subject to mandatory food safety standards, possess health certificates issued by government medical officers in Kerala.
The Court further instructed Health Department inspection teams to verify these certificates during routine inspections and ensure that they comply with the circular issued by the Director of Health Services.
Emphasising the importance of public health and hygiene at Sabarimala, which attracts large numbers of pilgrims, the Bench directed the authorities concerned to take necessary measures for strict compliance.
Allegations of Certificates Issued Without Medical Tests
The proceedings arose from a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, which prompted the High Court to initiate the matter on its own.
According to the report, the District Medical Officer (Health), Pathanamthitta, received information from the Health Officer at Sannidhanam about suspected irregularities involving health cards issued to employees.
The allegations concerned employees working in two establishments at Sannidhanam and five individuals at Nilakkal. The documents reportedly carried a signature purported to be that of a medical practitioner and had been forwarded through WhatsApp from a mobile number saved as ‘Manju Mahima’.
The report also alleged that health certificates had been issued without conducting medical examinations or blood tests on the individuals concerned.
After examining the circumstances, the High Court directed that the Health Inspector’s complaint be investigated and that action be taken in accordance with law if wrongdoing is established.
With these directions, the Bench disposed of the proceedings initiated on the basis of the Special Commissioner’s report.
