Kochi: The High Court has barred Sabarimala pilgrims from climbing the 18th step with posters and pictures of film stars and political leaders. The Travancore Devaswom Board should ensure that there is no deficiency in this regard. Justice Anil said that it is the duty of the devotees to perform darshan following the regular procedures and rituals of the temple. A bench comprising K. Narendran and Justice PG Ajith Kumar explained.
The court ordered a voluntary proceeding based on the fact that a devotee of Ayyappa sent a picture of people holding posters of the Tamil film and pictures of the late Canadian actor to the Registrar General of the High Court.
80,000 – 90,000 devotees come for darshan every day and 70 – 80 people go through the eighteenth step every minute. Devotees who respect Ayyappan should follow the traditional rituals and perform darshan. Contrary to this, the court ordered that devotees who come with pictures and posters should not be allowed to pass through.
No orchestra
The High Court also ordered that devotees should not be allowed to play musical instruments like drums in front of the steps of Sabarimala. The suggestion is based on the news that drummer Sivamani played drums in front of Sopanam.
The Devaswom Board also agreed with the court saying that such programs should not have been allowed as rituals are equally applicable to all devotees. The board’s lawyer said a show cause notice had been issued to officer Sopanam in the incident. He reminded the court that steps should be taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
English Summary: High Court instructs not to visit Sabarimala with posters
