Sabarimala: Kerala requests immediate hearing of plea against increasing number of devotees

New Delhi: Kerala has written to Supreme Court registrar requesting for the immediate hearing of the petition filed against increasing the number of devotees permitted inside Sabarimala temple. Kerala pointed out that the number of COVID cases are on the rise in the state. Sources from the Supreme Court has informed that a decision will be taken immediately on Kerala's request.

Kerala filed the petition challenging the high court order to increase the daily pilgrims allowed inside Sabarimala temple to 5000. However, the Supreme Court registry informed the state government the next day that four mistakes in the petitions have to be removed. Although the state government corrected the mistakes, the registry was not fully functional during Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Registry allotted a number to Kerala’s petition on January 5. Following this, State Standing Counsel G Prakash wrote to the Registrar requesting for an immediate hearing of the case. As Sabarimala temple was reopened on December 30 for Makaravilakku festivals, 5000 devotees are allowed in the temple on a daily basis.

Kerala demanded that high court order should be immediately stayed. About 250 people, including police officers, have already tested COVID positive at Sabarimala. Most of them are Devaswom employees and devotees. The petition also stated that the High Court did not take all these into account before delivering the verdict.