In a significant development, a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court has sought clarification from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) regarding its decision to hold a Global Ayyappa Summit at Pampa from September 16 to 20. The court’s cautionary statement emphasized the need for transparency in conducting such an event, pointing out that the duties and obligations of the TDB, as a body exercising powers under the Devaswom Act, are towards the religious institutions governed by the statute and the trust and conscience of the people.
The court’s remarks came during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Ajeesh Kalathil Gopi. The case has been adjourned to September 9 for further hearing.
The Global Ayyappa Summit, organized by Tatvamasi, aims to bring together devotees and scholars from around the world to discuss the significance of Lord Ayyappan in contemporary society. The event is scheduled to be held at the banks of the River Pampa, which is a significant pilgrimage site associated with the Lord.
The TDB, which manages numerous Hindu temples in Kerala, including the Sabarimala Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, has been asked to explain its role in organizing the summit and the transparency measures it has taken to ensure the event’s smooth conduct.
The court’s intervention comes amidst growing concerns over the management of religious institutions in Kerala and the need for greater accountability and transparency in their functioning.
As the date for the Global Ayyappa Summit approaches, all eyes are on the TDB to see how it handles this significant event while maintaining transparency and adhering to its obligations under the Devaswom Act. Meanwhile, the petitioner in the PIL awaits further hearing as the case progresses.
