"Sabarimala is not a place for protest": HC slams dolly strike

KOCHI: The High Court said that no one can stage a protest in Sabarimala and if there is a complaint, it should be brought to the notice of the concerned. A devaswom bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice S Murali Krishna issued the direction seeking a report on the strike by dolly servicemen.

"Sabarimala is not a place to protest. Everyone is uncomfortable there. It should be ensured that there are no incidents like strikes. Dolly service has been fixed at Rs 3,500. You can't charge more than that. It should be remembered that the elderly and physically challenged are the ones who are mainly dependent on dolly service," the court said. The Devaswom Board said that 380 dollies have been allotted to transport those who find it difficult to climb Sabarimala. A dispute over the prepaid dolly service is what led to the strike. The strike was called off following talks.

The court has sought a report on the accident in which a bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims collided with a lorry in Aryankavu, Kollam. It was also directed to produce the colour photo of the vehicle involved in the accident.