Kerala HC Directs To Dolly Services At Sabarimala For Safety
Last Updated on November 11, 2024 by NewsDesk SLC
Dolly, a bamboo device used by devotees to carry passengers during the sacred pilgrimage to Sabarimala, is a vital service. Located between Pamba and Sannidhanam, the Dolly workers endure a lot of strain as they personally ferry passengers up and down the steep slopes. The demand for these services is high, especially among the elderly and the disabled. Overall, Sabarimala supports 308 carts driven by 1532 individuals registered as cart workers.
The court found that the carts appeared durable, but damage inside the wooden posts was not detected due to exposure to sun and rain. The court also recognized that the carrying capacity of the stroller changes over time due to aging.
The court ordered the Travancore Devaswom Committee to strictly enforce eligibility criteria for carts carrying pilgrims and require only registered cart operators with valid police clearance and up-to-date health records for chauffeured passengers along the trails.
Tariffs for each journey on the carts of tourist routes must be prominently displayed in multiple languages at Pamba, Marakkootam and Sannidhanam so that informed decisions can be taken.
Magistrates of Pamba and Sannidhanam along with Vigilance wing officers of Travancore Devaswom will conduct regular checks during Maasapoojas and Mandala-Makaravilakku festival seasons to prevent abuse of pilgrims by women cart workers. The authorities considered introducing a prepaid flexible cart fee system, voluntary registration, visual codes and contactless payments to better serve the diverse needs of pilgrims.
Case law: Suo Motu v State of Kerala & ors
