High Court’s Crucial Intervention to Address High Parking Fees in Sabarimala

The Kerala High Court has made a crucial intervention in response to numerous complaints from Sabarimala devotees regarding high parking fees in Erumeli. The Devaswom bench, addressing the plea related to Sabarimala crowding, has sought an explanation from the Erumeli Gram Panchayat regarding the exorbitant parking rates. During the hearing, a fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed on the individual leasing the property from the Devaswom board for charging excessive fees. The Panchayat Secretary clarified that only six private parking grounds in Erumeli operated with a license, and notices would be issued to the owners of other grounds. The court also addressed complaints about excessive fees in toilet complexes in Erumeli, directing those leasing the land to adhere to the previously fixed rates and refrain from charging higher amounts. Additionally, the court emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in restaurants within the temple premises.

The High Court’s intervention comes amid concerns raised by Sabarimala devotees regarding the high parking fees in Erumeli. The Devaswom bench, in response to a plea related to the crowd management at Sabarimala, has sought an explanation from the Erumeli Gram Panchayat regarding the reported exorbitant parking rates. During the hearing, the court imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the individual leasing the property from the Devaswom board for charging excessive fees. The Panchayat Secretary clarified that only six private parking grounds in Erumeli operated with a license, and notices would be issued to the owners of other grounds. The court also addressed complaints about excessive fees in toilet complexes in Erumeli, directing those leasing the land to adhere to the previously fixed rates and refrain from charging higher amounts. Additionally, the court emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in restaurants within the temple premises. The High Court’s intervention is aimed at ensuring fair and reasonable charges for devotees visiting Sabarimala and maintaining proper hygiene in the surrounding areas.