Kerala High Court Limits Media Access at Sabarimala Sannidhanam to Accredited Journalists with ID Cards.
The Kerala High Court has decided that only media reporters with identity cards from the Travancore Devaswom Board can stay at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam during the 2024-25 Maasapoojas and Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season. This ruling comes as the Court looks to manage media presence due to security measures and limited access to the temple, especially since pilgrims need to book their visits through Virtual-Q or spot booking systems. The Division Bench, led by Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S, stated that the Board must issue identity cards based on a written recommendation from the head of a registered print media or a licensed visual media, with input from the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer.
The Court also mentioned that only those with identity cards will be allowed to stay at the Pranavam Guest House and Darshan Complex, and only the designated reporter from the media outlet can occupy the assigned room. No other individuals will be allowed in those rooms. Access to Sannidhanam will be restricted to those holding identity cards, as entry for pilgrims is controlled through Virtual-Q and spot booking systems. For print media, the recommendation must come from a publication registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India, while for visual media, it must be from a licensed organization. The Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, typically a senior officer like the Superintendent of Police, must provide the recommendation for the identity cards.
The High Court stated that media access will be tightly controlled due to security concerns at Sabarimala, which is classified as a ‘Special Security Zone’ under Section 83(1) of the Kerala Police Act. The Court recognized the need for safety measures for pilgrims, allowing only media personnel with identity cards from the Travancore Devaswom Board to remain at the Sannidhanam.
Cause Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Ors., [2024:KER:85114]
