Kerala HC criticises Malayalam actor Dileep's VIP darshan at Sabarimala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala High Court has criticized Malayalam actor Dileep's VIP treatment during his visit to Sabarimala and has sought a detailed report, including CCTV footage, of the incident.
Following the court's directive, the Travancore Devaswom Board initiated an investigation into whether Dileep received VIP treatment. The High Court expressed its disapproval of the situation where devotees, after waiting in queues for hours, had to return without having darshan.
"We deem it appropriate to direct Travancore Devaswom Board to take necessary steps to ensure that such incidents, obstructing a proper darshan by the pilgrims who are standing, which includes children of tender age, senior citizens and persons of disability are not repeated in front of Sopanam of Sabarimala during Mandala Makaravilakku festival season," said the erla HC division bench.
The division bench asked the police to submit a report detailing the preferential treatment accorded to Dileep. The bench highlighted that the actor remained in the front row before the Sopanam during the Harivarasanam (lullaby to Lord Ayyappa) until the temple closed for the day.
"What is the privilege he is having? What is happening there? Will it not obstruct or hinder the darshan of other devotees which includes children and aged persons, who have been standing in queue for several hours? Many of them had to wait and many others had to move on without having darshan. To whom will they complain? How was he permitted to stand there for so long ? How was he given special treatment? the Division Bench asked.
The Special Commissioner of Sabarimala reported to the court that Dileep's visit resulted in crowding and congestion among the pilgrims. Dileep was present in front of the Sopanam in the temple during the Nirmalyam ceremony, which disrupted the effective crowd management.
