Kerala High Court Demands Respectful Transport of Pilgrims' Remains

The Kerala High Court ruled that the mortal remains of Sabarimala pilgrims should be transported by ambulance instead of stretchers to ensure dignity and respect. The decision followed a report highlighting the burden on relatives and fellow pilgrims. The Travancore Devaswom Board is tasked with implementing and publicizing a comprehensive safety protocol.

The Kerala High Court has expressed shock over the current practice of transporting the mortal remains of Sabarimala pilgrims on stretchers and has ordered the use of ambulances to ensure dignity. The court's decision follows a report by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, which highlighted the distress caused to relatives and other pilgrims under the existing practice.

A bench of justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to utilize an available ambulance to convey the remains from Sannidhanam to Pamba. The court emphasized that this order should remain in effect until a more suitable vehicle can be procured, urging the Board to prioritize the safety and dignity of the pilgrims.

Additionally, the court has ordered the TDB to develop a protocol addressing health advisories, crowd management, and environmental concerns, citing the high incidence of cardiac events during the pilgrimage season. The court emphasized the importance of disseminating these protocols via multiple media channels to ensure pilgrims' safety and the sanctity of the site.