CHIEF ENGINEER Vs. DEPUTY DIRECTOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This matter relates to sanction for repair and maintenance of Nandavanam toilet block at Erumeli. Perused the report. We are satisfied that the sanction as sought for can be granted. Hence the request is allowed.

(2.) We have heard learned Standing Counsel for the TDB appearing in Sabarimala matters and Senior Advocate Sri. Govind K. Bharathan, whose assistance was sought for to suggest ways and means for maintaining toilet blocks at Erumeli, Sannidhanam etc during the Sabarimala seasons, since this court is of the view that the present managerial approach really brings out nothing good either for the devotees or for the environment. The toilet blocks are being auctioned out every year. This may result in generating some amount. But that is not the purpose of toilet blocks. The necessity to have toilet blocks for the devotees is unquestionable. Equally, the requirement to maintain the toilets having regard to its object is also unquestionable.

(3.) Therefore, we need the TDB and good spirited individuals and organizations inclined to serve for the welfare of the devotees to suggest ways and means for affording services of toilets, if possible, free of cost for the devotees. The TDB will also have to forgo the income generated by auctioning out the running of the toilet blocks. Let this order be communicated to the learned Ombudsman, before whom any such organization will be entitled to place its views, so that a comprehensive report with the views of the TDB and Devaswom Commissioner can be placed by the learned Ombudsman without any delay. We are sure that Senior Counsel Sri. Govind K. Bharathan will use his good office to motivate the probable organizations to appear before the learned Ombudsman in furtherance of this order. It would also be open to the learned Ombudsman to issue notice to different organizations including Ayyappa Seva Sangham and such organizations, whose presence may be found conducive for a positive result oriented way ahead in handling the issue. DBP is ordered accordingly.