SC dismisses pleas against global Ayyappa devotees conclave in Kerala
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain pleas challenging the Kerala High Court order which dismissed petitions challenging the decision of the Travancore Devaswom Board to conduct a global conclave of Ayyappa devotees on September 20.
The pleas were heard by a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar, which declined to interfere with the high court’s decision.
In its September 11 order, a division bench of the Kerala High Court issued a series of directions aimed at preserving the sanctity of Sabarimala and maintaining the ecological balance of the Pampa river.
“In view of the foregoing discussion, we find no reason to interdict the conduct of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam scheduled to be held on the banks of the river Pampa on September 20, 2025,” the high court had stated.
The court instructed the Board to exercise strict discretion to ensure that no event is conducted on the riverbanks in a way that compromises the sanctity of Pampa, including erecting permanent or temporary structures. It also directed that during the conclave and its preparations, all rituals, ceremonies, and related functions must be conducted without disturbance or detriment to devotees.
The court further mandated that no plastic bottles, cups, or other non-biodegradable waste be used or generated, and that any waste arising inadvertently be removed immediately to preserve the sanctity and cleanliness of the river.
“In view of the anticipated presence of several eminent persons, including chief ministers, ministers from neighbouring states, and foreign dignitaries, the respondents shall ensure that the influx of invitees does not impair the facilities or spiritual experience of ordinary pilgrims,” the order added.
All participants were to be treated solely as devotees of Lord Ayyappa, with no special benefits or priority granted for temple visits or related purposes.
Before the high court, petitioners had argued that the conclave, described as a gathering of Ayyappa devotees to celebrate divine grace, cultural heritage, and collective devotion, was in reality a government-backed political event dressed in religious guise.
The Board, however, contended that the Global Ayyappa Sangamam was conceived as a unique spiritual, cultural, and developmental conclave, organised in cooperation with the Kerala government, and asserted that it was being conducted at Pampa without infringing on Sabarimala’s religious traditions or compromising the pilgrimage’s sanctity.
With PTI inputs