SC rejects pleas to halt Global Ayyappa Summit gathering at Sabarimala

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to interfere with the Kerala High Court’s decision permitting the Global Ayyappa Devotees’ meet to be held on September 20 within the Sabarimala Shrine premises and along the banks of the River Pamba.

A bench led by Justices PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar dismissed three petitions filed against the High Court’s order. The court affirmed that the Travancore Devaswom Board may proceed with the event, provided it adheres to the guidelines outlined by the High Court.

The petitioners raised concerns that the event, expected to attract numerous participants, could cause environmental damage in the ecologically fragile region. They also argued that a state-run body organising the gathering could breach secular principles.

However, the Supreme Court observed that the High Court had thoroughly examined the matter and set out comprehensive conditions for the event’s conduct, and therefore declined to intervene further.

A Global Ayyappa Summit will be held at Pamba on September 20. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to inaugurate the gathering at 10.30 am. More than 3,000 devotees from around the world are expected to take part.

The 38,500-square-foot German pavilion, capable of seating 3,000 people, will be air-conditioned and feature a green room, media room, and VIP lounge. A separate seminar hall with a capacity of 500 has also been set up. Food facilities for delegates will be arranged on the hilltop.