KOCHI: High Court has asked to blacklist contractors who charge exorbitant prices for food from other state pilgrims visiting Sabarimala. The legal metrology department has been included in the petition for this purpose. The recommendation was made by a Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice G Girish on the petitions which are being considered by the High Court on its own initiative.

District Collectors should conduct inspections at places like Sannidhanam, Pampa, Erumeli and Nilakkal to ensure that only the prices fixed earlier are being charged. Shops in Kottayam district should also be inspected. The order says that if establishments are found to be charging exorbitant prices then the local bodies and the Devaswam board should be informed and the establishments should be blacklisted

Ranni-Perunad Panchayat was also added as a party in the petition but no one appeared. Meanwhile, Erumeli Panchayat has assured that action will be taken in this regard. The Devaswom Board announced that the underpass at Sannidhanam will be cleaned and virtual queue booking for Mandala-Makaravilakku darshan has started. High Court has given permission to change spot booking based on traffic at Sannidhanam.