SUO MOTU Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Special Commissioner, Sabarimala has filed this report regarding the Vazhipadu item 'Pushpalankaram' in Sabarimala Sannidhanam, as per the directions contained in the order of this Court dtd. 23/8/2022 in SSCR No.10 of 2022.

(2.) SSCR No.10 of 2022 filed by the Special Commissioner was regarding the leakage of water from the roof of the Sreekovil in Sabarimala Sannidhanam and the remedial measures to be taken. By the order dtd. 23/8/2022, the Special Commissioner was directed to file a report before this Court on the Vazhipadu item 'Pushpalankaram' at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. In the said order, this Court noticed the specific stand taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board that 'Pushpalankaram' by devotees is permitted only outside the Sopanam without fixing nails or screws on the copper plates used for covering the wooden roofing. The learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board was directed to handover a copy of the Board order dtd. 28/12/2017, re-fixing the rate of 'Pushpalankaram' at Sabarimala Sannidhanam to the learned Amicus Curiae for the Special Commissioner.

(3.) In the report of the Special Commissioner, it is stated that decorative flowers of various colours and varieties, flower garlands, etc. are used by the devotee sponsoring 'Pushpalankaram' to decorate the lower portion of the roof of the Sreekovil, Valiyambalam in front of the Sreekovil, entrance to Balikalpura, bottom portion of the golden flagmast, Upadevatha shrines, etc. On most occasions, flowers are brought from other States and cities like Bangalore. The stem of the flowers is inserted in a sponge-like wet material. To keep the flowers fresh, the sponge is sprayed with water or some other artificial substance. After the order of this Court dtd. 23/8/2022 in SSCR No.10 of 2022, during the Kannimasa Pooja in September, 'Pushpalankaram' was conducted at Sabarimala Sannidhanam albeit in a low-key. There was no heavy decoration for 'Pushpalankaram', as is usually done. Kuruthola type material and flower garlands were used for 'Pushpalankaram'. The Sreekovil was not permitted to be decorated.