Kerala High Court Champions Fundamental Rights: Global Ayyappa Sangamam Gets Historic Green Light

In a resounding affirmation of fundamental rights, the Kerala High Court has delivered a significant victory for devotees, quashing the police's controversial order that had denied permission for the eagerly anticipated 'Global Ayyappa Sangamam'. This pivotal ruling paves the way for the grand congregation, organized by the Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam, to proceed as planned on April 27th and 28th at the Putharikandam Maidanam in Thiruvananthapuram.

The saga began when the Commissioner of Police for Thiruvananthapuram City initially rejected the organizers' request, citing nebulous concerns over potential law and order issues.

The police report vaguely referenced the possible presence of "extremist elements" and "anti-social elements" at the gathering, leading to a blanket denial of permission. This decision sparked outrage among devotees and the organizers, who viewed it as an arbitrary infringement on their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

Undeterred, the Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam promptly challenged the police's stance in the Kerala High Court.

During the proceedings, Justice Devan Ramachandran, presiding over the case, critically examined the grounds for denial. The court sternly observed that the police's fears were largely "fanciful" and based on "surmises" rather than concrete evidence. Justice Ramachandran unequivocally stated that the fundamental right of citizens to assemble peacefully cannot be curtailed on such speculative grounds.

In a landmark directive, the High Court not only overturned the police's prohibitory order but also mandated that the police provide all necessary protection for the peaceful conduct of the 'Global Ayyappa Sangamam'.

The court underscored that if the police genuinely possess specific intelligence regarding individuals or groups planning to disrupt the event, they are obligated to act directly against those specific elements, rather than imposing a blanket ban that punishes the entire gathering.

This judicial intervention is a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding constitutional freedoms.

The court's ruling ensures that citizens are not deprived of their right to assemble and express themselves, even when authorities perceive potential, unproven threats. It sets a crucial precedent, preventing authorities from using vague apprehensions as a pretext to deny permission for legitimate public gatherings.

The 'Global Ayyappa Sangamam' is set to be a significant event, bringing together devotees and spiritual leaders to discuss a wide array of topics related to the revered Sabarimala Ayyappan temple.

Discussions are expected to encompass the preservation of its ancient rituals and traditions, administrative challenges, and the broader spiritual significance of the pilgrimage. With the High Court's decisive green light, the organizers are now free to proceed, ensuring a vibrant and meaningful assembly for the Ayyappa faithful.

The decision has been widely welcomed by the Ayyappa community, who see it as an affirmation of their collective voice and their right to gather and discuss matters pertinent to their faith.

It represents a triumph for democratic principles and the rule of law, reinforcing the idea that fundamental rights are paramount and cannot be easily overridden by unsubstantiated fears.