KOCHI: Devotees carrying posters, flags, and other equipment to flaunt their favorite film stars inside the revered shrine of lord Ayyapa will be denied entry inside Sabarimala, the Kerala high court ruled.

“No pilgrim can be permitted entry to Sabarimala Sannidhanam, through Pathinettampadi or to have darshan in front of the Sopanam of Sabarimala Sannidhanam, carrying posters and huge photographs of celebrities, politicians, etc.,” a division bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar observed, according to Live Law.

No such images of movie stars or politicians should enter the revered sopanam in Sannidhanam. The court also put a sly mention to stop performing drums or other instruments inside the revered shrine. Recently, Sivamani, the ace Indian drummer, presented himself in front of the shrine and performed for a few minutes. All devotes have the civil right to worship and arrangements shall be put in place for everyone to experience a proper darshan, the court ruled. Recently due to an unprecedented rush, many devotees returned from Pamba not risking themselves to reach Sannidanam.

The high court took up this case Suo moto after a pilgrim filed a complaint regarding the issue.