Police photo shoot on 'Pathinettampadi' unacceptable, says High Court; seeks report

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has sought a report from the Executive Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board regarding the recording of videos at the 'Thirumuttam' (temple courtyard) and Sopanam of the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple using mobile phones. The Executive Officer has been directed to submit the report tomorrow. The court also criticised the photo shoot of the police officials from the 18 divine steps ( Pathinettam padi) near the temple shrine. The court said that such action by the police is unacceptable.

The High Court has also directed the Duty Magistrates of Nilakkal, Pampa and Sannidhanam to take strict action against the shops that illegally charge exorbitant rates from the devotees in Sabarimala. The devaswom bench of the High Court issued the directions after considering various pleas regarding the arrangements for the Sabarimala pilgrimage.