The court mandates a comprehensive, structured framework for crowd management at Sabarimala, emphasizing safety, technological integration, and timely infrastructural development for the 2026-2027 pilgrimage.

ORDER :

1. This suo motu proceeding was initiated pursuant to the order dated 06.02.2026 in SSCR No. 37 of 2025, in light of the experience gained and the difficulties encountered in crowd management during the Mandala–Makaravilakku Season 2025–26. Taking note of these concerns, this Court had issued directions for the constitution of an institutional framework and for ensuring coordinated, advance planning across all stakeholders.

2. Pilgrimage management on the scale witnessed at Sabarimala necessitates a well-structured and coordinated institutional mechanism. Such a framework must comprehensively address infrastructural works, transport logistics, utility provisioning, local body services, grant of kuthakas, inter-departmental coordination, procurement processes, contractual engagements, repairs, maintenance, and all other allied activities. These activities will have to be planned sufficiently in advance through joint planning conferences and implemented in accordance with clearly defined, time-bound execution schedules. If all preparatory measures are completed at least two months prior to the commencement of the Mandala–Makaravilakku Season 2026–2027, the pilgrimage can be conducted in a safe, orderly, environmentally responsible, and pilgrim-centric manner.

3. With a view to ensuring continuous oversight and effective monitoring of these critical aspects, the Registry was directed to register a suo motu Writ Petition on the basis of the said order, after obtaining appropriate directions from the Hon’ble Chief Justice.

4. In terms of the directions issued by this Court, a detailed and comprehensive statement has been placed on record by the 7th respondent, namely the Travancore Devaswom Board, outlining the steps taken and the measures proposed in furtherance of the mandate of this Court. We also note, with a degree of satisfaction, that the Board has approached the directions issued by this Court not as a mere formality, but with an open and constructive mindset, and with a clear intent to bring about meaningful and lasting improvements in the facilities and overall management at Sannidhanam, especially in the context of steadily increasing pilgrim inflow.

5. The Additional Director General of Police and the Chief Police Coordinator, Sabarimala, have also placed before this Court detailed inputs, responses, and requirements aimed at improving the overall management of the pilgrimage during the 2026–2027 season. It is stated that a comprehensive and multi-dimensional study has been undertaken, with particular reference to the deficiencies, operational challenges, security concerns, and infrastructural limitations noticed during the previous pilgrimage seasons. The statement further indicates that these inputs are the result of detailed field-level assessments, stakeholder consultations, and a data-driven analysis of pilgrim inflow patterns. From the standpoint of security, crowd control, and traffic management, it is emphasised that a comprehensive and systematic restructuring is imperative, supported by appropriate technological interventions. It is also brought to our notice that the deployment of manpower for Sabarimala pilgrimage duties has been increasing progressively year after year. However, notwithstanding the deployment of personnel in numbers exceeding the estimated requirement, significant operational challenges continue to persist, particularly during peak periods. These challenges, it is pointed out, arise largely due to the inherent infrastructura