'Court is now giving directions even on how to offer prayers at Sabarimala, says Minister K. Muraleedharan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devasom Minister K. Muraleedharan said that even instructions on how devotees should offer prayers at the Sabarimala temple are now being issued by the High Court. He was responding to a question from V. Muraleedharan regarding the government’s steps to improve basic facilities at Sabarimala. The minister added that he was not commenting further on the matter due to his respect for the court.

Muraleedharan said that High Court directions regarding Sabarimala often come against the decisions of the government and the Devaswom authorities.

“Neither the Devaswom Board nor the government is currently taking decisions on Sabarimala matters. Everything is being decided through the court, and that is the present situation. However, steps will be taken to create a system for improving basic facilities,” the minister said.

The minister also said that detailed discussions are needed on proposals to merge the Devaswom Boards. He added that the process of acquiring land for parking facilities in Guruvayur would be completed within nine months.

K. Muraleedharan also said that the proposal to increase the age limit for Devaswom appointments needs further discussion. He was replying to questions raised by K.U. Jenish Kumar, V. Joy, Karayi Rajan, P.P. Sumod, V. Muraleedharan, C.V. Shanthakumar and Vishnu Mohan.