SUO MOTU Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This DBP is registered suo motu based on the proceedings dtd. 18/11/2022 since news items appeared in visual media regarding the helicopter service package for Sabarimala pilgrims offered by the 11th respondent, a private agency in its website 'helikerala.com'. A copy of the printout taken from the website of the 11th respondent forms part of this DBP. Going by the materials on record, the 11th respondent will operate two daily trips from Kochi to Nilakkal, at the rate of Rs.45,000.00 per head, which includes darshan, dolly service and car transfer.

(2.) On 18/11/2022, when this DBP came up for consideration, this Court issued notice to the 11th respondent, through the 7th respondent Commissioner of Police, Ernakulam, who was directed to depute Police personnel to serve notice on an authorised representative of the 11th respondent, on that day itself. Registry was directed to list the matter for further consideration on 19/11/2022 at 10.30 a.m., after obtaining orders from the Hon'ble the Chief Justice.

(3.) On 19/11/2022, when this DBP came up for consideration, this Court recorded the submission made by the learned counsel for the 11th respondent that the said respondent shall not proceed further with 'Sabarimala Ayyappa Darshan Helicopter Service Package'. In the order dtd. 19/11/2022, it was made clear that the aforesaid undertaking given by the learned counsel for the 11th respondent will not absolve the said respondent from being proceeded against in accordance with law. The Travancore Devaswom Board was directed to inform the pilgrims through its Virtual-Q platform that no tour operator in the aviation sector has been granted permission for helicopter facility to Nilakkal. The 11th respondent was also directed to publish the same on its website.