Pass mandatory for Sabarimala entry; strict conditions imposed to curb crowd and fake passes

Mangalore Today News Network

Pathanamthitta, Nov 29, 2025: Taking serious note of the increasing crowd and the misuse of fake passes during the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the Kerala High Court has issued strict directions stating that only pilgrims with Virtual Queue or Spot Booking passes should be allowed entry to the Sannidhanam. The Devaswom Bench comprising Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar made it clear that the date and time specified on the pass must be strictly followed.

The court cautioned that under no circumstances should anyone carrying fake passes be allowed inside. “Administrative negligence cannot be allowed to endanger the lives of lakhs of pilgrims,” the court observed, issuing a stern warning to the Travancore Devaswom Board and the police.

As per the High Court’s earlier instructions, the daily limit was fixed at 70,000 Virtual Queue passes and 5,000 Spot Booking passes. However, due to the surge in pilgrims and lapses in crowd control, the court noted that over one lakh devotees had reached the Sannidhanam on some recent days.

In a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, it was stated that there was no clear information available for 7,877 passes. The report also highlighted the use of fake passes and instances of groups arriving without any valid passes. The Amicus Curiae told the court that allowing such groups inside together was one of the major causes of crowding and mismanagement.