Kerala High Court Greenlights Bhasmakulam Relocation at Sabarimala, Records Travancore Devaswom Board's Decision to Retain Ganapathy Idol - 2025-04-07

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Kerala High Court Approves Relocation of Sabarimala's ' Bhasmakulam ' Amidst Procedural Scrutiny

Ernakulam, Kerala – In a recent judgment delivered on March 11, 2025, a division bench of the Kerala High Court, comprising Justices Anil K. Narendran and Muralee Krishna S., addressed the proposed relocation of the ' Bhasmakulam ' (temple pond) at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The court permitted the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to proceed with the relocation based on the recommendation of the High Power Committee for the Implementation of Sabarimala Master Plan (HPC). Simultaneously, the court noted the TDB's decision to withdraw its proposal to relocate the idol of Lord Ganapathy .

Background of the Suo Motu Proceedings

The case originated as a Suo Motu proceedings (SSCR No. 59 of 2024) initiated by the High Court following a report submitted by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala. The report highlighted a proposal by the TDB to relocate the Bhasmakulam and place a statue of Lord Ganapathy near the trekking path, raising concerns about procedural compliance and adherence to the Sabarimala Master Plan.

The Special Commissioner's report pointed out that these proposed constructions lacked prior permission from the HPC, a body crucial for overseeing developments in Sabarimala as per the Master Plan. This triggered the court's intervention to ensure that any modifications within the temple complex adhered to established protocols and safety guidelines.

Contentions and Committee Recommendations

During the proceedings, the court impleaded various stakeholders, including the State of Kerala, TDB officials, the High Power Committee, and police authorities, to gather comprehensive perspectives on the matter. The HPC, in its report, acknowledged that the TDB's proposals were initially not presented to them for consideration.

However, subsequent deliberations within the HPC's Technical Committee, and later by the HPC itself, considered the TDB's relocation plan for Bhasmakulam . Referring to the Sabarimala Master Plan, which suggests locating water bodies in the north-east zone, the Technical Committee concluded that the proposed relocation site for Bhasmakulam aligned with these guidelines and did not violate the Master Plan. The HPC ultimately endorsed this recommendation.

Regarding the proposed relocation of the Ganapathy idol, concerns were raised by the Deputy Director of Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Chief Police Coordinator, Sabarimala, citing potential pilgrim congestion, safety risks, and disruption to crowd management. These concerns, along with the HPC’s initial procedural objections, seemingly influenced the TDB's subsequent decision.

Court's Observations and Decision

The High Court, after reviewing the reports, affidavits, and submissions from all parties, focused on the statutory duties of the Travancore Devaswom Board as outlined in the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950. The court emphasized Sections 15A and 31, which mandate the Board to ensure traditional rites, proper administration, and the provision of facilities for devotees at Sabarimala.

Despite recognizing the Board's responsibilities, the court underscored the importance of adhering to the Sabarimala Master Plan and obtaining necessary approvals, especially from the High Power Committee.

In its final order, the bench stated:

> "Having considered the pleadings and materials on record and also the submissions made at the Bar, we deem it appropriate to dispose of this SSCR and HPCR(S) by permitting the Travancore Devaswom Board to relocate Bhasmakulam at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, in terms of the recommendation made by the High Power Committee for Implementation of Sabarimala Master Plan in Annexure V minutes dated 14.10.2024. The stand taken in the affidavit dated 07.03.2025 sworn to by the Secretary of the 2nd respondent Board that the Board has now decided not to proceed with the shifting of Ganapathi Idol from Nadappanthal to Jyothinagar is recorded."

The court thus granted permission for the Bhasmakulam relocation, aligning with the HPC's recommendation and Master Plan guidelines. It also formally acknowledged and recorded the TDB's revised stance on the Ganapathy idol, effectively halting that particular relocation proposal.

Financial Transparency and Audit

To ensure financial accountability, the court further directed that all expenditures related to the Bhasmakulam relocation, even if sponsored, be subjected to audit by the Kerala State Audit Department, Travancore Devaswom Board Audit, under the supervision of the TDB's Maramath wing. This directive is in line with precedents set in cases like Arjunan T.N. v. President, Temple Advisory Committee and others [2012 (4) KHC 155] and Murukan K.K. v. Travancore Devaswom Board [2025 (1) KHC SN 17], emphasizing financial oversight in temple administration.

This judgment underscores the Kerala High Court's active role in overseeing the administration of Sabarimala, ensuring developments are in line with established plans, safety considerations, and procedural norms, while respecting the statutory duties of the Travancore Devaswom Board.