KOCHI: The High Court on Monday strongly criticized the incident in which Devaswom guards were seen forcefully pushing away the pilgrims at Sabarimala on Makaravilakku day. The court asked the Devaswom board whether it had given permission to grab and push the devotees.

The court, which asked how the accused was able to touch the body of the devotees, pointed out that many others have been controlling the devotees.

"Who gave the accused permission to touch the body of devotees? The incident is unjustifiable. Why did only the accused behave like this?" the devaswom bench of the High Court said.

The court, which heard the petition in the morning, had directed the Special Commissioner and the police to submit a report on the matter. Sabarimala Special Commissioner submitted the report while the court considered the case again in the afternoon.

The Devaswom Board submitted the watcher's information to the court. According to the report given by the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, action has been taken against the Devaswom guard who behaved indecently. The High Court asked to include the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner and the guard in question as a party in the case. The court directed the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner to inform it about the action taken against the Devaswom guard. The High Court will hear the case again on January 24th.