Dolly workers at Sabarimala are not allowed to hold any protests at this site, as it is a place of worship, according to the Kerala High Court.
The Kerala High Court highlighted that the sanctity of Sabarimala, an important place of worship, must not be disturbed by strikes or protests, particularly by essential service workers, during the vital Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season. Dolly operators are essential for helping elderly and disabled pilgrims by transporting them on bamboo chairs along the steep path from the Pamba river to the main shrine at Sabarimala. Their services are especially crucial during the festival when many devotees visit. A Bench led by Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. strongly criticized the sudden strike by dolly operators at Pampa, who were protesting the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) decision to set up prepaid counters for dolly services.
The Court stated that when many workers from different sectors collaborate to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season of 1200ME (2024-25), dolly workers at Sabarimala cannot be allowed to protest at this sacred site. The Court noted that strikes by dolly operators could greatly inconvenience senior citizens, children, and differently-abled devotees who depend on this service to navigate the difficult terrain. Senior Government Pleader S. Rajamohan represented the Respondent, while Advocate Sayujya Radhakrishnan assisted the Court as Amicus Curiae.
The Court emphasized that Sabarimala, as a sacred site, should not be a location for protests or disturbances, especially during the festival season, which is crucial for the well-being of pilgrims. It criticized the dolly workers for applying pressure during this important time and pointed out that they should have communicated their issues to the Travancore Devaswom Board ahead of the festival. The Court clearly stated that any protests or strikes by dolly operators, or any disruptions along the trekking routes, Pamba, or Sannidhanam, are not permitted during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival or other major religious events.
The Court mentioned that if the dolly workers have any complaints, they should have brought them to the attention of the Travancore Devaswom Board well before the start of the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season of 1200ME (2024-25). It ruled out any protests or strikes by the dolly workers at Pamba, Sannidhanam, or along the trekking path during the festival seasons or Maasapoojas. To ensure that devotees can worship without interruptions, the Court ordered various authorities, including the TDB, Chief Police Coordinator, District Police Chief, District Collector of Pathanamthitta, and Station House Officers at Pamba and Sannidhanam, to prevent any future protests or disruptions. These authorities were instructed to take necessary actions to maintain crowd control and public safety.
Additionally, the Court directed the Chief Police Coordinator and the Executive Officer of the TDB to provide detailed reports on the situation by December 9, 2024. The case is set for further hearing on December 6, 2024.
Cause Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala
