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Sabarimala: Pilgrims' vehicles can go until Pamba, says HC

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has given permission to the state government to proceed with its plan to allow vehicles carrying pilgrims upto Pamba.

During Tuesday’s hearing, state government informed the court that it is willing to allow vehicles carrying upto 12 pilgrims until Pamba. After the pilgrims alight, the vehicles have to be taken to Nilakkal for parking.

When the pilgrims return after ‘darshan’, the vehicle can return to Pamba to collect them, the court has directed.

The court is considering petitions seeking permission to allow vehicles of pilgrims until Pamba, including a petition filed by P Prasanna Kumar, former administrative officer of Travancore Devaswom Board.

Government's stance in court is in stark contrast to the one adopted by police. Pathanamthitta district police chief had informed the court that pilgrims’ vehicles cannot be allowed to proceed to Pamba due to safety issues and possible traffic congestion. The parking area at Pamba is still unsafe as per a survey conducted recently, police had said while referring to the extensive damages at Pamba during last year’s floods.

On Tuesday, the high court also granted permission to KSRTC for appointing drivers on a temporary basis in view of the extra schedules to be operated in views of Sabarimala season. Drives should be engaged from the PSC ranklist and they can be employed on a daily basis, the court said while adding that its permission would only be operative until January 31.

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