Kerala HC Issues Key Directions on Ingredients Used for Sabarimala Prasadam

The Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to strictly follow quality standards while procuring ingredients used to prepare prasadam distributed to devotees at the Sabarimala temple. The direction came while disposing of a 2021 petition alleging the use of ‘halal’ jaggery in the preparation of prasadam at the Lord Ayyappa temple. A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was informed that a Maharashtra-based company had secured a tender to supply around 2,000 tonnes of jaggery to Sabarimala and also supplied the same product to West Asian countries, where export packages may carry halal certification as required by local regulations. The court noted that inspection reports had found the jaggery supplied to Sabarimala suitable for prasadam preparation, with no adverse findings.

The court, however, advised temple authorities to remain vigilant while procuring ingredients and ensure that the sentiments of devotees are not affected. Meanwhile, the High Court directed the Kerala government to take steps to ensure uninterrupted water supply at Sabarimala in view of the expected increase in the number of devotees during the Makaravilakku pilgrimage. It asked authorities to inspect the existing water-supply systems and complete necessary repairs in advance. The court also stressed the need for continued monitoring of facilities and the quality of ingredients used in prasadam preparation.