Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Saturday expressed being “shocked and dismayed” at the current practice of transporting mortal remains of devotees who die during the Sabarimala pilgrimage on stretchers. The bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar directed that an ambulance must now be used for this purpose.

The court highlighted that transporting bodies on stretchers causes distress to relatives and other pilgrims on the trekking path. Following a report from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, the High Court said an old ambulance stationed at Pamba could be used immediately.

“This arrangement shall continue until further orders or until a more suitable vehicle is made available for this purpose. We make it clear that the said ambulance shall be used only for the purpose permitted as above,” the bench said.

Health risks on the Sabarimala trek

During the two-month Mandalam–Makaravilakku season, roughly 150 cardiac events are reported, of which 40–42 result in death, the court noted. Expert cardiologists stated that sudden, strenuous physical exertion during the pilgrimage can trigger heart attacks, angina, or even sudden arrhythmic death.

The court observed that the Neelimala–Appachimedu stretch is particularly steep and physically demanding. Devotees were advised to take adequate rest breaks to prevent cardiac complications. In the current season alone, eight deaths were reported in the first eight days.

The court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to prepare a comprehensive protocol for pilgrims covering health advisories, effective crowd management, and instructions for the virtual queue system. It also instructed clear guidelines against environmentally harmful practices, including banning plastics, chemical kum kum, shampoo sachets, and disposal of dhoties or other clothing into the sacred river Pampa.

The guidelines are to be widely publicised via the Board’s website, print and electronic media, public announcements, banners, and SMS alerts. The court mandated that the exercise be completed within seven days.

Pilgrim protection inspections underway

With the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage underway, special squads from Legal Metrology, Civil Supplies, Health, and Revenue departments have intensified inspections in Sabarimala and Pampa.

Officials said inspections focus on food hygiene, accurate weighing and measuring, correct labelling, adherence to MRP, and compliance with food safety licences. So far, fines of Rs 13,000 have been collected. Strict action is being taken against overpricing, hoarding, and adulteration, with mandatory display of price lists.

Pilgrimage season 2025

Sabarimala opened on November 16 for the 41-day Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, drawing devotees from across India and abroad. Authorities emphasise health, safety, and fair commercial practices during the pilgrimage.