Supreme Court Petition Challenges 'Global Ayyappa Summit,' Citing Political Agenda and Communal Fears

A significant legal battle is brewing in the Supreme Court as a devotee has filed a plea challenging the controversial 'Global Ayyappa Sangamam' (Global Ayyappa Summit). The petitioner, Manoj George, a staunch follower of Lord Ayyappa, has raised serious allegations, asserting that the three-day event, slated to be held in Thrissur from October 27, is nothing more than a political gathering cleverly disguised as a spiritual congregation.

This challenge has brought the Kerala government, the Travancore Devaswom Board, and the Global Ayyappa Sangamam itself under the judicial scanner.

George's petition paints a vivid picture of concern, alleging that the summit's true agenda is to "destabilize" the state government and aggressively propagate "Hindutva communal ideologies." He contends that the event is a thinly veiled attempt to politicize religious sentiments, a move he fears will inevitably lead to communal disharmony and public disorder across Kerala.

The plea urgently seeks a stay on the event, highlighting the potential for widespread unrest if it is allowed to proceed.

The petitioner's apprehensions are not unfounded, given the guest list for the summit. Invitations have reportedly been extended to prominent BJP leaders, including chief ministers from other states and Union ministers.

This high-profile political involvement further fuels George's claim that the gathering deviates significantly from a purely spiritual purpose, transforming it into a platform for political maneuvering under the guise of religious devotion.

The plea also draws a direct link between the Global Ayyappa Sangamam and the tumultuous Sabarimala issue.

It alleges that the organization played a pivotal role in orchestrating "unlawful protests" during the Sabarimala women's entry controversy, accusing it of exploiting religious sentiments for political mileage. This historical context adds weight to George's argument that the upcoming summit is a continuation of a pattern of politically motivated actions cloaked in spirituality.

Adding to the controversy, the petition explicitly names former Travancore Devaswom Board President Prayar Gopalakrishnan, alongside other leaders affiliated with the RSS and BJP, as key figures behind the Global Ayyappa Sangamam.

This connection solidifies the petitioner's assertion regarding the event's political leanings. Media reports, frequently cited in the plea, have also highlighted the distinctly political nature of the preparations and objectives of the summit.

In light of these grave concerns, Manoj George's plea implores the Supreme Court to intervene decisively.

He stresses the paramount importance of judicial action to prevent a potential "law and order crisis" and to safeguard the secular fabric of the state. The legal community and the public now await the Supreme Court's decision, which could have significant ramifications for the upcoming event and the broader interplay between religion and politics in Kerala.