A series of arrests and instant protests held centrestage as flash mobs of devotees took to streets even as lack of basic minimum facilities turned the Sabarimala pilgrimage into a nightmare during the weekend and on Monday.

The High Court of Kerala on Monday warned the Director-General of Police (DGP) against persisting with unwarranted security measures at the shrine which causes difficulties for the devotees, especially the aged and children.

While agreeing that the Supreme Court verdict on the entry of women of all age groups into the temple has to be complied with, it observed the restrictions should be just and reasonable. Adequate drinking water should be ensured and toilets rendered usable. All pilgrims should be able to enter the temple. The court asked if the police officers put in charge were experienced in mob controlling.

The court also ordered the DGP to file an affidavit explaining the circumstances under which the action, including arrests of pilgrims, was initiated at the shrine on Sunday. It however agreed with the timetable for darshan.

The State saw impromptu collection of devotees staging protest demonstrations at many places over the last couple of days, including in Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta on Monday.

Intensifying campaign

The police had a tough time ensuring security to three young women who emerged out of the Press Club after explaining to the newspersons how they were being subjected to threats for declaring their intention to take up the pilgrimage. At Pathanamthitta, in whose district jurisdiction Sabarimala falls, hundreds of Sangh Parivar activists gathered to show solidarity with two bus-loads of pilgrims detained by the police.

Meanwhile, the BJP proposed to intensify the protest campaign against ‘diluting the culture and traditions’ at the shrine and vowed to bring leaders from neighbouring States as well as Central Ministers and party national office-bearers to Sabarimala.

A purported circular from the State headquarters of the party requested district units to take turns and send in volunteers every day to Sabarimala, but at least one district unit denied having received any such circular.

The Travancore Devaswom Board on Monday moved to the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement its verdict allowing women of all age groups to enter the temple.

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