Photography & Videography Can’t Be Allowed At Sabarimala’s 18 Holy Steps And Thirumuttam: Kerala HC
The Kerala High Court made a significant observation regarding the practice of photography and videography at the Sabarimala temple, specifically prohibiting such activities on the famous 18 steps, known as Pathinettampadi, and the Thirumuttam, the main courtyard located outside the sanctum sanctorum.
This directive was prompted by a recent controversy involving police personnel, who were seen conducting a photoshoot on the steps, which garnered attention and led to the Court's intervention.
In response to the Court's order, the Chief Police Co-ordinator at Sabarimala submitted an affidavit, assuring that appropriate action would be taken against the officers involved in the incident.
The Division Bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S, made it clear that no photography or videography would be allowed on these sacred premises, it said, "Pathinettampadi (18 holy steps) and Thirumuttam of Sabarimala Sannidhanam are not places where photography or videography can be permitted by pilgrims, vloggers, etc.,"
While the Court did not delve into the specifics of the disciplinary actions against the police officers, it left the matter to the discretion of the Chief Police Co-ordinator.
Additionally, the Court also noted a concerning practice at the Malikappuram temple, another shrine within the Sabarimala complex. Over recent years, some pilgrims have engaged in acts such as throwing clothes on the temple’s roof, pouring turmeric powder on its walls, and rolling coconuts around the temple. The Court clarified that these practices are not part of the traditional rituals or customs of the Malikappuram temple and advised that such activities should be discouraged.
The Court directed "Since throwing clothes on the roof of Malikappuram Temple, pouring turmeric powder on the walls of that temple and rolling coconut around that temple are not part of the customary practices of Malikappuram Temple, the pilgrims should be requested to avoid such practices at Malikappuram Temple. It is for the Travancore Devaswom Board to issue an advisory to the pilgrims, in the Virtual-Q platform and also through print and visual media that throwing clothes on the roof of Malikappuram Temple, pouring turmeric powder on the walls of that temple and rolling coconut around that temple are not part of the customary practices of Malikappuram Temple, which should be avoided,"
Cause Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Ors.
