The Kerala High Court issued a ruling on Wednesday prohibiting strikes and protests at Sabarimala, emphasizing that such activities cannot take place at a religious site. The order follows a strike by dolly workers protesting the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)’s plan to implement a prepaid system for their services.
The court, led by Justices Anil K Narendran and S Muralikrishna, highlighted that disruptions in areas like Pampa and Sannidhanam would infringe on devotees’ right to worship. “If the dolly workers have grievances, they should communicate with the appropriate authorities,” the court stated.
The judges pointed out the inconvenience posed to elderly, disabled, and ill pilgrims who rely on the dolly service to access the shrine. They also emphasized that no one should be denied transport to or from the temple, and questioned who would be responsible if anything happened to these vulnerable groups. “Sabarimala is a place of worship, and no strike or protest should be permitted,” the court ruled, directing the Chief Police Coordinator and the Devaswom Board to prevent any recurrence of such events.
The strike was called by dolly workers in response to the TDB’s decision to introduce a prepaid system for their services. Workers claimed the board had not provided sufficient details or consulted them properly before making the change. After a meeting with the district magistrate, the workers agreed to end the protest, with promises of further discussion on their concerns.
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