SUO MOTU Vs. TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Final Report (S.M.No.5/2017) dated 20.2.2017 submitted by Shri M.Manoj, Special Commissioner, Sabarimala in relation to the Mandala- Makaravilakku festival of 1192 M.E. is perused by us and shall stand appended to this order. We affirm the views expressed by the Special Commissioner and direct the State Government, Central Government, Travancore Devaswom Board, hereinafter referred to as the 'Board' and all other authorities to take all requisite steps to implement the suggestions and recommendations contained therein as also to maintain the standards achieved and strive to achieve the benchmarks where deficiencies are perceived and noted. We are confident that all authorities concerned will take necessary actions without fail to enforce the suggestions of the report in letter and spirit without any shortcomings or neglect.

(2.) We wish to place on record our appreciation for all persons and institutions who worked for the successful conduct of the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival of 1192 M.E. The challenge thrown up by the ban of plastic bottles was satisfactorily met by the efforts of all concerned by taking necessary steps for providing drinking water to the pilgrims.

(3.) We place on record our appreciation for the untiring efforts and the positive interventions of the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala Shri M.Manoj, District Judge. He was instrumental in the coordination of the various departments and institutions for the conduct of the festival. He has also taken prompt steps to see that shortcomings in arrangements have been rectified without fail and promptly.