SC Seeks Kerala Govt’s Response on VHP Plea for Free Transportation to Sabarimala Pilgrims

The Supreme Court sought a response from the Kerala government on Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) plea seeking permission to operate vehicles to ferry pilgrims to the Sabarimala temple in the state.

A division bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan issued notice to the state government on a petition by the Kerala unit of VHP in which the outfit has challenged the April 13, 2023 order of the high court dismissing its petition.

Senior Advocate V Chitambaresh, appearing for the VHP, said the Hindu right organisation was willing to provide free transport to the pilgrims as many of them, including the elderly and children, have to walk a long distance to reach the temple. Earlier, the Kerala State Roadways buses were provided at Pampa, from where a six kilometre trek to the shrine begins. It was submitted that people tend to face difficulties as the KSRTC buses which are in bad condition charge a very high fare from the pilgrims.

“Lakhs and lakhs of devotees are coming there. They are waiting for over 28-30 hours in queues for the KSRTC buses which are not in good condition,” the VHP counsel stated.

The bench asked the senior advocate whether he was seeking a contract carriage permit or stage carriage permit (a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than six passengers excluding the driver for hire or reward).

Chitambaresh replied that, he is seeking permits for contract carriage (Motor Vehicle Act defines ‘contract carriage’ to mean a motor vehicle which carries a passenger or passengers for hire or reward and is engaged under a contract).

The bench told the senior lawyer that the facility must only involve pick and drop facility from one location another. However, passengers should not be picked along the route. Advocate Chitambaresh agreed to the suggestion after which the bench issued notice.