Kerala High Court Orders Immediate Ban On Chemical Kumkum At Sabarimala To Prevent Environmental Damage

A suo motu petition was initiated on the basis of a report submitted by the Special Commissioner. The report outlined various measures needed to improve the facilities available for Sabarimala pilgrims at the Edathavalams (resting places) during the Mandalam–Makaravilakku festival season of 2025–2026.

A Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar held, “we direct the State Government and the Travancore Devaswom Board to take immediate and coordinated action to ban the sale and use of chemically manufactured Kumkum within the area and to promote the use of traditional, naturally derived alternatives. The respondents shall also issue an advance public notice through its official website, as well as through print and electronic media, informing pilgrims.”

Background

In an earlier order dated October 16, 2025, the Court had noted that the TDB, the Indian Railways, and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Kottayam were responsible for maintaining various Edathavalams that provide essential amenities such as shelter, sanitation, food, and safe drinking water for pilgrims. The Bench had then instructed these bodies to ensure that these facilities were properly maintained.

During the same proceedings, the Court had observed that pilgrims at the Erumeli Edathavalam in Kottayam often use shampoos packaged in plastic sachets, which are discarded into nearby streams (thodes), causing severe pollution. Consequently, the Bench had directed the Kottayam District Administration to ban the use of shampoo sachets in and around Erumeli. The Erumeli Grama Panchayat and Chengannur Municipality were also instructed to ensure hygienic conditions in the area through their respective Health Inspectors and to submit reports on compliance.

It was informed to the Court that shampoo sachets and other waste materials were still being dumped into the Valiyathodu in Erumeli. The counsel highlighted that kumkum, which was traditionally made from turmeric and other natural ingredients, is now often produced using chemical compounds. This chemical version, when used in rituals such as Pettathullal (a traditional sacred dance performed in Erumeli during the Sabarimala pilgrimage), causes further environmental harm.

It was explained that participants in Pettathullal apply or are sprayed with this synthetic kumkum, and to wash it off, they rely on strong shampoos and detergents, which worsens pollution in the nearby water bodies. The counsel therefore requested the Court to issue directions for the installation of nets and check dams across the thodu during the pilgrimage season to trap shampoo sachets and other debris.

Findings

The Bench remarked that there must be a complete prohibition on the sale of shampoo sachets at the Kuthakas (stalls) in Pamba and Sannidhanam. The Court further ordered that no vendor should be allowed to sell shampoos packaged in plastic covers. It also specifically directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to take steps to ban the sale of chemical kumkum in Sabarimala and surrounding areas to prevent further environmental degradation.

The Cochin Devaswom Board, Chengannur Municipality, TDB, and the Guruvayoor Devaswom Board informed the Court that arrangements were being made to comply with the earlier directives. The Guruvayoor Devaswom Board also mentioned that a separate queue system had been established in the Guruvayoor temple for Sabarimala pilgrims.

The Court directed the Devaswom Commissioner of the TDB to file a consolidated report detailing all measures taken to ensure compliance and smooth implementation of the Court’s orders.

After recording these submissions, the Kerala High Court posted the matter for further hearing next week.

Cause Title: Suo Motu v. Union Government & Ors.

Appearance:

Respondents: Advocates S.Rajmohan, Chithra Chandrasekharan, Haridas V.N. Sayujya Radhakrishnan

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