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Kochi, Nov 12 (IANS) With four days left for the start of the annual two-month-long Sabarimala season, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday reaffirmed its ban on the sale of chemically manufactured kumkum and shampoo sachets at Sabarimala, and emphasized that the welfare of devotees and the protection of the delicate ecosystem of the hill temple take priority over commercial interests.
A division bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and KV Jayakumar had issued the direction for the first time last Friday while hearing the suo motu case based on a report of the Special Commissioner on facilities for pilgrims during the upcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku season starting from November 17.
The court said that chemical-based kumkum used during the “Pettathulaal” ritual and indiscriminate disposal of plastic shampoo sachets near streams like Valiyathodu in Erumely was causing serious pollution, as it ordered a categorical ban on the sale of these products in Pamba and Sannidhanam and directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to immediately enforce the ban.
It also asked officials to consider installing traps or check dams on water streams to prevent waste accumulation.
When the matter came up again on Wednesday, the court refused to modify its order despite a plea from stall holders at Sabarimala and Erumeli, who argued that the ban would cause huge financial loss and disrupt long-standing temple traditions.
Dismissing their plea, the bench made it clear that “merely obtaining a license does not entitle any person to sell chemically manufactured kumkum”.
The court said that naturally obtained, organic kumkum can be sold provided the seller certifies its authenticity.
“We are more concerned about the ecology of Sabarimala and the safety of the devotees – not about the commercial aspects of the stall holders,” the bench said.
Citing Article 51A of the Constitution, the court reminded all citizens of their duty to protect the environment, noting that chemical kumquat contains toxic compounds like lead oxide and mercury sulphide that can cause health hazards and aquatic pollution.
–IANS
SG/VD