‘Fitness certificate mandatory for buses, no standing allowed in bus carrying Ayyappa devotees’; directs HC

KOCHI: As the Sabarimala pilgrimage begins tomorrow, the Kerala High Court has issued a strict directive that not a single KSRTC bus without a fitness certificate should operate. A devaswom bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and S Murali Krishna said the pilgrims should not be allowed to travel standing and strict action will be taken if this is violated. The Travancore Devaswom Board has informed the high court that all preparations for the Sabarimala pilgrimage have been completed.

KSRTC is sending around a thousand buses for the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The high court had earlier issued directions regarding the buses arranged for the pilgrims. The court today directed that this should be strictly followed. The court added that the transport commissioner should ensure that the directions are followed.

The court also directed to submit a report on the preparations completed. 70,000 devotees have been given the opportunity for the pilgrimage through virtual queue system and 10,000 through spot booking. Experienced policemen will be deployed on the 18th steps. The temple will be opened daily for 18 hours. Ginger water and biscuits will be provided round the clock. Water, electricity, forest departments and others also informed that all the preparations have been completed. The board has also informed that preparations for feeding thrice daily have been completed.