Kerala High Court Refuses To Interdict Global Ayyappa Sangamam; Issues Directions To Maintain Sanctity Of Sabarimala Temple & River Pampa

The Kerala High Court has refused to interdict the conduct of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam which is scheduled to be held on the banks of the River Pampa on September 20 this year.

The Court was hearing a series of Writ Petitions preferred against the decision of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to conduct a Global Conclave of Ayyappa Devotees.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar observed, “… we expect the TDB to maintain transparent accounts for every paise received and spent, and the same shall be subject to statutory audit. … 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 20.09.2025.”

The Bench refused to doubt the assertion by the Government and the TDB that the event is funded primarily through sponsorships and voluntary contributions.

Advocates Krishna Raj, Sajith Kumar, and Ajeesh Kalathil Gopi appeared for the Petitioners while Advocate General K. Gopalakrishna Kurup, Senior Government Pleader S. Rajmohan, State Attorney Manoj Kumar N., and Standing Counsel G. Biju appeared for the Respondents.

Facts of the Case

The Writ Petitioners were the devotees, political activists, and others seeking substantially the same relief. They contended that as per the available documents, the purported purpose of the conclave is to bring together Ayyappa devotees from across the globe in a celebration of divine grace, cultural heritage, and collective devotion, and to foster a deeper spiritual connection among participants through a series of curated events, including discussion forums, cultural presentations, and interactive sessions with eminent leaders and scholars. By referring to the Government Order, it was contended that the decision to host the conclave has been taken at the Government level and the Devaswom Board has been dragged in to provide a religious colour to a purely political event.

They contended that the hosting of such a conclave with the stated objective of spreading the message of “Tat Tvam Asi” and presenting Sabarimala before the world as a spiritual, traditional, and sustainable global pilgrim centre falls wholly outside the secular duties of the Government. They further claimed that by involving the Devaswom Board in this initiative, the Government is compelling the Board to act in violation of and beyond the scope of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950. According to the them, the action of the Government in investing public funds for the propagation of “Tat Tvam Asi”, a core tenet of the Hindu faith, is patently unconstitutional, as the Government has no authority in law to engage in or promote religious activity.

Court’s Observations

The High Court after hearing the arguments from both sides, noted, “… we find that the conclave is a one-day event and about 3000 delegates are expected to partake in the congregation, which is to be held on the banks of the Holy River Pamba, which is considered as the gateway to Sannidhanam. The key objectives of the Sangamam, as borne out from the materials placed before us, including the Government order constituting various committees, are to project Sabarimala as a universal symbol of spiritual harmony and to inspire global reflection on sacred discipline and shared humanity.”

The Court added that TDB seeks to highlight ongoing developmental and preservation efforts, while simultaneously promoting the cultural, spiritual, and pilgrimage tourism dimensions of Sabarimala.

“While it is true that the objectives, as worded, may not have been felicitously expressed, the ultimate purpose that underlies them is both sublime and legitimate, and cannot be faulted”, it remarked.

The Court said that the management or administration of a temple, unlike the performance of religious rites therein, partakes of a secular character.

“When the administration of a temple is vested in a statutory body, such as the Travancore Devaswom Board, and the State is entrusted with supervisory control through legislation, it is expected that the State will discharge its responsibility diligently in ensuring that such secular functions are carried out in a transparent and accountable manner”, it added.

Court’s Directions

The Court, therefore, issued the following directions in the larger interest of maintaining the sanctity of Sabarimala Temple and the ecological balance of the holy River Pampa –

a) The Board shall hereafter exercise strict discretion to ensure that no event is conducted on the banks of the River Pampa in any manner that compromises its sanctity, whether by erecting permanent or temporary structures.

b) During the days of the conclave and throughout the preparatory works, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) shall ensure that none of the rituals, ceremonies, or related functions are disturbed or diminished to the detriment of the devotees.

c) Any temporary structures proposed for the event shall be strictly minimal, least intrusive, and specifically designed to prevent environmental degradation or disturbance to the sacred precincts.

d) All necessary steps shall be taken to ensure that no plastic bottles, cups, or other non-biodegradable waste are used or generated.

e) In view of the anticipated presence of several eminent persons, including Chief Ministers, Ministers of neighbouring States, and foreign dignitaries, the Respondents shall ensure that the influx of such invitees does not, in any manner, impair the facilities or spiritual experience of ordinary pilgrims.

f) The Respondents shall maintain clear, detailed, and transparent accounts reflecting the total estimated cost of the event, including accommodation and travel expenses, together with the contributions received from sponsors.

g) No special privilege shall be extended to any participant.

h) All participants shall be treated solely as devotees of Lord Ayyappa, and no special benefit or priority shall be accorded, either for visiting the temple or for any related purpose.

i) A proper and comprehensive crowd-management plan shall be drawn up and scrupulously implemented to ensure that parking facilities and the movement of ordinary pilgrims remain entirely unaffected.

Accordingly, the High Court refused to interdict event and issued necessary directions.

Cause Title- V.C. Ajikumar & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Ors. [Case Number: WP(C) NO. 32854 OF 2025(F)]

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