NEW DELHI – In a major relief for the Kerala state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the Supreme Court of India has refused to interfere with the Kerala High Court’s decision allowing the “Global Ayyappa Sangamam” to proceed. The apex court’s ruling clears the way for the international conclave of Ayyappa devotees to be held on September 20.
A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar dismissed a series of petitions that had been filed challenging the Kerala High Court’s order. The petitioners had argued that the event was politically motivated, that the TDB was being used as a cover for a political function, and that holding the event on the environmentally sensitive banks of the Pampa river was a violation of existing regulations. They also expressed concerns about the potential misuse of temple funds.
The Supreme Court, however, found no reason to interdict the event, noting that the Kerala High Court had already addressed the matter in detail and issued a set of comprehensive guidelines for its conduct. The High Court’s order had stipulated that the Sangamam must be held in a manner that preserves the sanctity of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, protects the environment of the Pampa river, ensures financial transparency, and guarantees that the spiritual experience of ordinary pilgrims is not compromised.
The TDB and the state government had defended the program, stating that its primary objective was to showcase Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage destination, propagate the message of “Thathwamasi,” and promote religious harmony. The government’s standing counsel had assured the court that the state’s role was only to provide organizational support and that all accounts would be transparently maintained.
The Supreme Court’s decision is seen as a significant victory for the state government, which had faced political opposition and legal challenges over the event. The ruling reinforces the conditions set by the High Court, emphasizing the need for the TDB to uphold its statutory duties and the trust of millions of devotees.
