KOCHI: The High Court has asked the local government bodies and the legal metrology department to take action to prevent unauthorized trade and sale of prohibited products at Sabarimala. "Lightning inspection should be done at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal. More staff should be appointed for this purpose. Action should be taken against the distribution of water and soft drinks in plastic bottles," the court said.

The directions were made by a division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice G Girish.

"Monopoly contract traders in Erumeli, Pampa and Saranapatha should be monitored. It should be ensured that devotees from other states are not overcharged. More flying squads should be deployed to see if overcharging is taking place," the court observed. The directions of the division bench is based on the Makaravilakku Pilgrimage.

The matter will be considered again on Monday. The authorities should give an affidavit about the steps taken. Virtual queue booking figures were examined by the Division Bench. The police and the Devaswom Board were directed to ensure the safety of the devotees. The Devaswom Board lawyer informed that the booking was complete yesterday and today.

Trade license must be displayed

• Vendors should display license certificate
• The water authority's superintending engineer should take action to ensure drinking water at U-turn and S-bend near Saramkuthi
• Water Authority should prepare plan for drinking water supply in consultation with devaswom board
• The Devaswom Commissioner should ensure that there are enough staff to count the hundi receipts.
• In case of delay in counting, more staff should be assigned