Freedom of faith has limits: High Court

KOCHI: The High Court has observed that the freedom of faith guaranteed by the Constitution has limits. This freedom must be exercised in a way that does not harm public life, morality, or public health, the Devaswom Bench, comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K. V. Jayakumar, said.

The court dismissed a petition filed by V. Shyam Mohan, a Delhi resident, who sought a directive to open the traditional forest route from Erumeli to Sabarimala before the temple opens.

The petitioner argued that his request was related to his right to practice his faith, but the court did not accept this. The court said the message of “Tat Tvam Asi” (That Thou Art) is central to Sabarimala, emphasising harmony between humans, nature, and spirituality. Therefore, protecting the sanctity of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the forest path aligns with this message.

The petitioner had asked the court to order the opening of the forest route from the 15th, as he had taken a virtual queue spot for darshan on the 17th. The Devaswom Board had already stated that the route would open on the 17th. At the same time, the court issued instructions to ensure safety for pilgrims using the forest path.

Court directions

• The maximum number of people allowed on the forest path per hour must be published before the Mandala season. Restrictions due to bad weather or emergency situations must also be announced.
• Warnings must be issued when temporary restrictions are imposed due to heavy crowds.
• A real-time control room must be set up in coordination with the relevant departments.
• All decisions, warnings, updates on the virtual queue platform, and the Ayyappa app must be provided promptly.