ORDER :

Anil K. Narendran, J.

The Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, has filed this report regarding the directions to be issued to the respective authorities to complete the maintenance and repair works of the road network leading to Sabarimala and maintain the roads and pedestrian facilities strictly in conformity with the relevant standards and guidelines, to ensure strict enforcement of Road Safety Policy and also the provisions under the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017, in terms of the directions contained in the orders of the Apex Court and this Court, in order to ensure the safety of most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, children, elderly and differently-abled persons, during Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season of 1198 ME (2022-23).

2. In the report, it is stated that, Sabarimala pilgrims travel in different types of vehicles including Light Motor Vehicles and Contract Carriages from other States and far away places. Often these vehicles are seen flouting the prescribed standards of road safety, which are fitted with high-power music systems and prohibited lighting, which distracts the concentration of the drivers. Reverse light is absent in som