The Kerala High Court has taken suo motu notice in its ongoing supervision of arrangements at Sabarimala, impleading both the distributor and the certifying agency after finding that chemical kumkum continues to be sold to pilgrims despite a court‑imposed ban. The Court had previously directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure that only naturally sourced kumkum is sold in and around the temple, prohibiting chemically manufactured or synthetic colour powders due to health risks and environmental concerns. Requests from stall‑owners to relax the ban were earlier rejected, with the Court prioritising ecological and public welfare considerations over commercial interests.
In the latest proceedings, the Court was informed by local authorities that synthetic kumkum was being sold extensively in certain areas, distributed by a firm identified as Ideal Enterprises. The distributors reportedly provided certifications from Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited claiming that the kumkum was naturally sourced. However, the Court noted that existing evidence, including photographs of the sales, raised serious doubts about compliance and the authenticity of the certifications.
Observing that it was impossible to verify whether the stock was genuinely natural kumkum or banned chemical kumkum, the Court directed that both the distributor and the certifying laboratory be formally impleaded as parties to the proceedings. Notices were ordered to be issued to Ideal Enterprises and Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Limited.
The Court reaffirmed that under no circumstances could synthetic or chemically manufactured kumkum be sold or distributed within Sabarimala, its surrounding areas, or in pilgrim accommodations. The bench emphasised its intent to investigate the source of the breach, verify the genuineness of the certification, and ensure strict enforcement of its prior orders.
The case is listed for further hearing, where the newly impleaded parties are expected to respond. The Court’s orders reflect its continued focus on safeguarding the environment of Sabarimala, protecting the health of pilgrims, and ensuring strict adherence to its directives, signalling that violations will be closely monitored and addressed decisively.
0 Comments
Thank you for your response. It will help us to improve in the future.