Vehicles carrying pilgrims must follow safety instructions: HC

KOCHI: The High Court on Saturday directed that vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrims must strictly follow the safety instructions of the Motor Vehicle Act. A division bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice PG Ajith Kumar directed that decoration on vehicles on a large scale should be banned. The court intervened after it noticed a heavily decorated KSRTC bus from Chirayinkeezhu depot taking pilgrims to Sabarimala. The division bench clarified these matters yesterday while considering the accident involving the pilgrims' vehicle at Laha, Pathanamthitta.

The lawyer explained that the bus was decorated as it was the first service from the depot. However, the High Court sought an explanation stating that it could not be allowed. The Road Transport Commissioner should direct the officials to ensure that the vehicles of the pilgrims strictly follow the rules. The bench pointed out that two accidents have been reported within three days of the commencement of this Sabarimala pilgrimage.