Devotees' Right to Worship Is Subject to Traditions Prevalent in Sabarimala, Kerala HC Reiterates

The Kerala High Court recently reiterated that every “worshipper”, who shows reverence and adoration for Lord Ayyappa, is duty-bound to exercise his right to worship in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition in Sabarimala temple. The court reiterated its observation made in Sajeev Sastharam v. State of Kerala and others in light of the recent incidents where pilgrims brought posters and huge photographs of celebrities, politicians, etc, to Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajithkumar while stressing that Travancore Devaswom Board is duty-bound to see that the regular traditional rites and ceremonies as per the practice prevalent in Sabarimala are performed promptly, directed it to ensure that no pilgrim is allowed carrying posters of celebrities, politicians, etc, inside Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The complainant had emailed a plea to the registrar general of the high court complaining about the pilgrims bringing posters of celebrities at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The division bench, in view of the ruling in Sajeev Sastharam held that since all worshippers’ right to worship is subject to the prevalent traditions at the Sabarimala temple, therefore, no pilgrim can be permitted entry to Sabarimala Sannidhanam, through Pathinettampadi or to have darshan in front of the Sopanam of Sabarimala Sannidhanam, carrying posters and huge photographs of celebrities, politicians, etc.