Kerala HC approves Global Ayyappa Sangamam with strict safeguards
text_fields
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted permission to the Travancore Devaswom Board to conduct the 'Global Ayyappa Sangamam', scheduled for September 20, while imposing strict conditions to preserve the sanctity of Sabarimala and protect the rights of ordinary devotees.
The court was hearing multiple petitions challenging the event, with petitioners claiming that it was being organised by individuals who do not believe in Lord Ayyappa and had previously called for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma. They argued that holding such a programme near religious institutions violated laws prohibiting non-religious functions in the vicinity of places of worship. Concerns were also raised over alleged misuse of temple funds and the absence of genuine Ayyappa devotees, those who observe penance and rituals from the invitee list, which political leaders reportedly dominated.
Petitioners insisted that all sponsorship funds collected in the name of Lord Ayyappa legally belong to the deity and must be used solely for temple purposes. The government countered, stating that the Sangamam is neither unconstitutional nor a violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, and clarified that neither the state nor the Devaswom Board would bear any expenses, which would be met entirely through sponsorships.
Delivering its verdict, the High Court allowed the Global Ayyappa Sangamam to proceed but set clear safeguards. The court directed that the sanctity of the holy Pampa must be preserved, nothing harmful to nature should occur, and the rights of ordinary devotees must not be infringed. Participants in the Sangamam were instructed not to receive any special privileges at Sabarimala.
Additionally, the bench ordered organisers to submit a detailed income and expenditure report within 45 days to ensure full financial transparency.
The verdict comes amid political contention, with the opposition Congress-led UDF accusing the ruling CPI(M)-led government of seeking political mileage in the name of Sabarimala. The Left has rejected these claims, framing the summit as an initiative to unite devotees against communalism.
By approving the event with conditional safeguards, the Kerala High Court has sought to balance allowing a landmark religious gathering while upholding accountability, environmental protection, and the rights of pilgrims.
With IANS inputs