SUO MOTU v. STATE OF KERALA

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN & THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G. GIRISH WEDNESDAY, THE 17TH DAY OF JANUARY 2024 / 27TH POUSHA, 1945 SSCR NO. 39 OF 2023 (IN THE MATTER OF TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD - SABARIMALA SPECIAL COMMISSIONER REPORT - SM. NO. 39/2023 REPORT – SUBMITTED BY THE SPECIAL COMMISSIONER, SABARIMALA AS DIRECTED BY THE HON’BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA VIDE ORDER DATED 27/11/2023 IN DBP NO. 126 OF 2023 REGARDING KALABHABHISHEKAM AT SABARIMALA SREE DHARMA SASTHA TEMPLE – SUO MOUT PROCEEDINGS INITIATED REG.) – PETITIONER: SUO MOTU RESPONDENTS: 1 2 3 4 5 6 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, REVENUE (DEVASWOM) DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 695001 DEPUTY DIRECTOR KERALA STATE AUDIT DEPARTMENT, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD AUDIT, NANTHANCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695 003 TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, NANTHANCODE, KAWDIAR POST, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM- 695 003 DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD, DEVASWOM BUILDINGS, NANTHANCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695 005 EXECUTIVE OFFICER SABARIMALA DEVASWOM, DEVASWOM BOARD BUILDINGS, NANTHANCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695 003 CHIEF VIGILANCE AND SECURITY OFFICER (SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE- VIGILANCE) TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD, NANTHANCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -695003 DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 4 *ADDL.R7 MANOJ, MANGALATH HOUSE, PERINAD, KOLLAM *IS SUO MOTU IMPLEADED AS ADDITIONAL 7TH RESPONDENT AS PER ORDER DATED 30/11/2023 IN SSCR 39/2023 *ADDL.R8 THE CHIEF POLICE CO-ORDINATOR, SABARIMALA, ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE, LAW AND ORDER SANNIDHANAM, SABARIMALA, PATHANAMTHITTA, PIN - 689 713 *IS SUO MOTU IMPLEADED AS ADDITIONAL 8TH RESPONDENT VIDE ORDER DATED 21/12/2023 IN SSCR.NO.39/2023 SRI S.RAJMOHAN - SR GOVERNMENT PLEADER ; SRI G.BIJU - STANDING COUNSEL -TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD ; SRI.KRISHNARAJ SRI N. RAGHURAJ - AMICUS CURIAE FOR SPL COMMISSIONER THIS DEVASWOM BOARD PETITION HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 17.01.2024, ALONG WITH DBP.126/2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: 5 DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 Anil K. Narendran, J. ORDER DBP No.126 of 2023:- This DBP is registered suo motu, vide proceedings dated 24.11.2023, based on a news item that appeared in ‘Kerala Kaumudi’ daily dated 22.11.2023 and

23.11.2023 regarding the vazhipadu ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ in Sabarimala Sannidhanam. In the report, it is stated that the amount collected for ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ is Rs.38,400/-, which includes Rs.25,900/- the vazhipadu materials and Rs.12,500/- towards the fee for Devaswom. The same amount is collected from the devotees who bring the materials for the vazhipadu. It is also stated that no tender is invited for ‘Kalabham’ and that the ‘Kalabham’ used at Sannidhanam does not meet the standard. No ‘Sandal’ is purchased from the Forest Department for making ‘Kalabham’.

1.1. On 27.11.2023 when this DBP came up consideration, the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (Superintendent of Police), Travancore Devaswom Board, was suo motu impleaded as the additional 6th respondent. The learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board was directed to get instructions from the Board on the conduct of ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ in Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The learned DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 6 Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board and also the learned Amicus Curiae for the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala submitted that regarding the incident that happened on

17.11.2023, connection with ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer has already conducted an enquiry and submitted a report before the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala. By the order dated

27.11.2023, the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala was directed to file a report before this Court on the above aspect and Registry was directed to number that report as SSCR and list before the Bench, along with this DBP.

1.2. On 29.11.2023, when this DBP came up consideration, it was brought to the notice of this Court that regarding the incident that happened on 17.11.2023, the 5th respondent Executive Officer, Sabarimala has submitted a report dated 25.11.2023 the 4th respondent Devaswom Commissioner. The learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board has made available for the perusal of this Court a copy of that report dated 25.11.2023. In the report, the th respondent Executive Officer has referred to a report dated 5

22.11.2023 of the Administrative Officer, Sabarimala, as per DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 7 which, on 17.11.2023, a devotee by name, Manoj, Mangalath House, Perunad, Kollam, who booked ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ insisted to perform that vazhipadu with the ‘Kalabham’ brought by him. The said devotee is offering ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ on the st day of Vrishchikam every year. Though devotees are not 1 permitted ‘Kalabham’ performing ‘Kalabhabhishekam’, considering the fact that he is a media person, ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ was performed on 17.11.2023 with the ‘Kalabham’ brought by him.

1.3. By the order dated 29.11.2023, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board was directed to place on record a copy of the report dated 25.11.2023 of the Executive Officer, Sabarimala, along with a memo.

2. SSCR No.39 of 2023:- The Special Commissioner, Sabarimala has filed this report pursuant to the direction contained in the order of this Court dated 27.11.2023 in DBP No.126 of 2023, regarding the vazhipadu ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ in Sabarimala Sannidhanam. A copy of Annexure I report dated

26.11.2023 of the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, Travancore Devaswom Board and Annexure II communication dated 24.11.2023 of the Tanthri of Sabarimala Sree Dharma DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 8 Sastha Temple, addressed to the Executive Officer, Sabarimala, are enclosed along with the report of the Special Commissioner.

3. On 30.11.2023, when DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 came up for consideration, along with a memo dated 30.11.2023 filed by the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board, a copy of the report dated

25.11.2023 of the Executive Officer, Sabarimala Devaswom, along with its enclosures, which include a copy of the Board order dated 17.03.2022 regarding revision of vazhipadu rates in Sabarimala and Pamba Devaswoms, was placed on record in DBP No.126 of 2023.

4. By the order dated 30.11.2023 this Court suo motu impleaded the devotee by name, Manoj, as additional 8th respondent in DBP No.126 of 2023 and as additional 7th respondent in SSCR No.39 of 2023. In that order, this Court noticed that, as held in the decision in Sajeev Sastharam v. State of Kerala [2022 (7) KHC 295], a ‘worshipper’, who shows reverence and adoration for Lord Ayyappa, is duty-bound to exercise his right to worship in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition in Sabarimala. In DBP No.126 of 2023 the additional 8th respondent has filed I.A.No.1 DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 9 of 2023 seeking an order to accept Ext.R8(a) to R8(h) as additional documents.

5. On 21.12.2023, when these matters came up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board submitted that, in view of the additional allegations contained in the affidavit filed in support of I.A.No.1 of 2023 in DBP No.126 of 2023, an additional affidavit on behalf of the Travancore Devaswom Board, shall be placed on record. The learned Standing Counsel pointed out that the additional 8th respondent in DBP No.126 of 2023 is not a media person with accreditation, who can be permitted to stay at accommodation facility provided to media persons at Sannidhanam. The learned counsel for the additional 8th respondent sought time to get instructions.

6. By the order dated 21.12.2023, the learned Senior Government Pleader was directed to get a report from the Chief Police Co-ordinator, Sabarimala, on the aforesaid aspect pointed out by the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board. By that order, the Travancore Devaswom Board was directed not to permit any devotee to bring ’Kalabham’ for performing ’Kalabhabhishekam’ in Sabarimala Sannidhanam, DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 10 since as per the approval granted by this Court by the orders dated 05.11.2021 and 03.01.2022 in DBA No.12 of 2021, the devotees are not permitted to bring ’Kalabham’ for performing ’Kalabhabhishekam’.

7. On 22.12.2023, along with I.A.No.2 of 2023 in DBP No.126 of 2023, the additional 8th respondent has placed on record Ext.R8(i) document. On 03.01.2024, an affidavit dated

03.01.2024 has been placed on record on behalf of the 3rd respondent Travancore Devaswom Board, producing therewith Annexures R3(a) to R3(c) documents. The additional 8th respondent has filed an additional affidavit dated 10.01.2024, in reply to the aforesaid affidavit filed on behalf of the 3rd respondent Board.

8. Heard the learned Senior Government Pleader for the State and official respondents, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for the Board and its officials, the learned counsel for the party respondent and also the learned Amicus Curiae for the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala.

9. Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 enacted by the State Legislature makes provision for the administration, supervision and control of incorporated and DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 11 unincorporated Devaswoms and of other Hindu Religious Endowments and Funds. As per the provisions under Section 3 of the Act, the administration of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms shall vest in the Travancore Devaswom Board. As per Section 15A of the Act, it shall be the duty of the Board to perform the following functions, namely, (i) to see that the regular traditional rites and ceremonies according to the practice prevalent in the religious institutions are performed promptly; (ii) to monitor whether the administrative officials and employees and also the employees connected with religious rites are functioning properly; (iii) to ensure proper maintenance and upliftment of the Hindu religious institutions; (iv) to establish and maintain proper facilities in the temples for the devotees. As per Section 31 of the Act, subject to the provisions of Part I and the rules made thereunder, the Board shall manage the properties and affairs of the Devaswoms, both incorporated, and unincorporated as heretofore, and arrange for the conduct of the daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in every temple according to its usage.

10. Sabarimala Devaswom is an incorporated Devaswom mentioned in Schedule I of the Act, under Chengannur Group, DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 12 Pathanamthitta Taluk. In view of the provisions under Section 15A(iv) of the Act, the Board is duty bound to establish and maintain proper facilities in Sabarimala for the devotees. In view of the provisions under Section 31 of the Act, the Board is duty bound to make proper arrangements for the conduct of daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in Sabarimala, according to its usage.

11. Sabarimala is situated in a difficult forest terrain prone to natural disasters. Sabarimala and its vicinity are a Special Security Zone in terms of the notification issued by the State Government, invoking its powers under Sections 83(1) and (2) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011. The management of Virtual-Q system for Sabarimala darshan is governed by the directions contained in the order of this Court in Suo Motu v. Travancore Devaswom Board and others [2022/KER/20737 : 2022 SCC OnLine Ker 2185 : CDJ 2022 Ker HC 480]. As directed in that order, verification of Virtual-Q tickets and other related matters are the responsibilities of the Kerala Police, as part of crowd management.

12. In Sajeev Sastharam v. State of Kerala [2022 (7) KHC 295] this Court held that a ‘worshipper’, who shows DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 13 reverence and adoration for Lord Ayyappa, is duty-bound to exercise his right to worship in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition in Sabarimala. The restrictions imposed at Sabarimala during Maasa Poojas and festival seasons, including Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season, are applicable to all ‘worshippers’, who are duty-bound to obey such restrictions, in order to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims in front of the Sopanam of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and darshan for all pilgrims in the queue.

13. During the course of arguments, the submission made by the learned counsel for the party respondent is that on

17.11.2023, for performing ‘Kalabhabhishekam’, he brought ‘Kalabham’ since on previous seasons he was permitted to bring ‘Kalabham’ for performing that vazhipadu. The Administrative Officer, Sabarimala informed the party respondent that pilgrims cannot bring ‘Kalabham’ for ‘Kalabhabhishekam’. The amount of Rs.38,400/- paid by pilgrims, includes Rs.12,500/- towards Muthalkoottu and Rs.25,900/- towards supplier cost, which includes the cost of ‘Kalabham’.

14. As evident from SSCR No.39 of 2023 filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, and the report dated DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 14

26.11.2023 of the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, Travancore Devaswom Board, the party respondent, who booked ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ on 17.11.2023, who used to conduct that vazhipadu on 1 st Vrishchikam of every year, insisted to perform that vazhipadu with the ‘Kalabham’ brought by him. When the Administrative Officer, Sabarimala objected to the use of ‘Kalabham’ brought by the party respondent, he got enraged. As a result of which, in order to avoid an unpleasant situation, the Administrative Officer permitted the use of ‘Kalabham’ brought by the party respondent for performing ‘Kalabhabhishekam’. He was issued with a receipt for the full amount of Rs.38,400/-, which included the cost of ‘Kalabham’ for that vazhipadu. Based on the order of this Court dated 05.11.2021 in DBA No.12 of 2021, the Devaswom Commissioner issued Annexure R3(a) order dated 17.03.2022, revising the rate for vazhipadu in Sabarimala and Pamba Devaswoms.

15. The stand taken in the counter affidavit filed on behalf of the 3rd respondent Board is that, though the earlier practice was that the devotees have to either bring pooja materials or to purchase it from the pooja stalls at Sannidhanam, as part of streamlining the rate of revision, it was decided to supply pooja DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 15 articles required for major vazhipadus from the main store of the Devaswom, except Nellu, Malar and Aval. To ensure transparency, the total material cost with split-up details are shown in the printed receipts issued to the devotees and the amount collected is deposited in the Devaswom account on the same day and the eligible supplier cost for the items, which is not available in the Devaswom store, is claimed by the Administrative Officer on submitting bills for the same. In the affidavit filed on behalf of the 3rd respondent Board, it is stated that the party respondent who booked ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ on

17.11.2023 brought ‘Kalabham’ for performing that vazhipadu. He asked the Administrative Officer to return the cost of ‘Kalabham’. When the Administrative Officer objected to the use of ‘Kalabham’ brought by the party respondent and insisted the use of ‘Kalabham’ from Departmental store, in terms of Annexure R3(a) order dated 17.03.2022, he got enraged taking advantage of his position as a media person. To avoid an unpleasant situation, the Administrative Officer was constrained to heed to his demand to perform ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ with the ‘Kalabham’ brought by him. As a result of which, Departmental ‘Kalabham’, which was kept ready for ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ on DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 16

17.11.2023 got damaged and became useless. The Executive Officer reported the incident to the Devaswom Commissioner, vide Annexure R3(c) report dated 25.11.2023.

16. As evident from Annexures R8(d) and R8(e) receipts, the party respondent paid the amount of Rs.38,400/- each for performing ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ vazhipadu in Sabarimala Sannidhanam on the 1st day of Vrishchikam of 1197 ME (2022) and 1198 ME (2023). When the rate of ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ vazhipadu approved by this Court in the order dated 05.11.2021 in DBA No.12 of 2021, based on which the Devaswom Commissioner issued Annexure R3(a) order dated 17.03.2022, includes Muthalkoottu and supplier cost, including the cost of ‘Kalabham’, no devotee can insist that vazhipadu has to be performed with the ‘Kalabham’ brought by him, instead of the Departmental ‘Kalabham’. The report of the concerned Devaswom officials and also that of the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer would show that when the Administrative Officer objected to the use of ‘Kalabham’ brought by the party respondent, he got enraged and as a result of which, in order to avoid an unpleasant situation, he was permitted to perform ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ using the ‘Kalabham’ brought by him, as a DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 17 result of which, the Departmental ‘Kalabham’ kept ready for the vazhipadu got damaged and became useless.

17. The stand taken in the affidavit filed by the 3rd respondent Board is that ‘Kalabham’ brought by devotees cannot be used for performing ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ since its quality, ingredients, etc., are not known and if such materials are permitted to be used, it will affect the sanctity and Chaithanya of the idol. In the affidavit it is stated that, the Tantri of the temple did not ask the party respondent or permit him to bring ‘Kalabham’ for performing ‘Kalabhabhishekam’. Dakshina to Tantri and other Parikarmis are fixed as per the proposal approved by this Court and the same is part of the rituals of the vazhipadu. The Dakshina amount to the Tantri is credited to his account on a monthly basis.

18. As held by this Court in Sajeev Sastharam [2022 (7) KHC 295] a ‘worshipper’, who shows reverence and adoration for Lord Ayyappa, is duty-bound to exercise his right to worship in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice tradition in Sabarimala. When ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ vazhipadu in Sabarimala Sannidhanam is performed by using Departmental ‘Kalabham’, after collecting a sum of Rs.38,400/- DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 18 that vazhipadu, which includes Rs.12,500/- towards Muthalkkoottu and Rs.25,900/- towards supplier cost, which includes the cost of ‘Kalabham’, no devotee can insist that the ‘Kalabham’ brought by him shall be used to perform that vazhipadu. In such circumstances, we deem it appropriate to direct the Travancore Devaswom Board to take necessary steps to ensure that ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ vazhipadu in Sabarimala Sannidhanam is performed only with the Departmental ‘Kalabham’ and not with ‘Kalabham’ brought by the devotees. The Board shall also take necessary steps to offer online booking facility for ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ and other major vazhipadus in Sabarimala Sannidhanam, through the Virtual-Q platform. The Special Commissioner, Sabarimala to file a report on the above aspect, seeking appropriate directions from this Court.

19. In the order dated 21.12.2023, this Court noticed the submission made by the learned Standing Counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board that the additional 8th respondent in DBP No.126 of 2023 is not a media person with accreditation, who can be permitted to stay at the accommodation facility provided to media persons at Sannidhanam. In the affidavit filed in support of I.A.No.2 of 2023 in DBP No.126 of 2023, the DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 19 additional 8th respondent has stated that he is not a media person having accreditation. He has placed on record Ext.R8(i) Press Identity Card to show that he is a reporter of Kerala Kaumudi daily. In paragraph 2 of that affidavit, he has stated that out of 35 media persons staying at Sabarimala as on

22.12.2023, only 4 persons have accreditation. Therefore, 31 media persons without accreditation, as per the details furnished in paragraph 2, are staying at Sabarimala. It is for the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala to file a report on the above aspect, seeking appropriate directions from this Court.

20. In the affidavit filed in support of I.A.No.1 of 2023 in DBP No.126 of 2023 the additional 8th respondent has pointed out that since an amount of Rs.12,500/- is collected towards the cost of ‘Kalabham’ for performing ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ vazhipadu low quality of ‘Kalabham’ is being used at Sabarimala Sannidhanam for performing that vazhipadu. In paragraph 8 of that affidavit, the party respondent has stated various aspects regarding the purchase of sandalwood by one Manoj from the Forest Department, Marayoor, who is supplying ‘Kalabham’ to the Travancore Devaswom Board. DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 20

21. The stand taken in paragraph 6 of the affidavit dated

03.01.2024 filed on behalf of the Travancore Devaswom Board in DBP No.126 of 2023 is that for the past more than 15 years, as per the direction of the senior Thantri, sandal paste for ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ is sourced from a reputed person, who obtain sandalwood in the auction conducted by the Forest Department at Marayoor. The sandalwood is brought to Mullikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara, where it is grinded with Pacha-karpooram, Kashmiri Kumkumapoovu and Panineeru to make it in a paste form. It is prepared hygienically, free from any chemical ingredients and safe for performing abhishekam on the idol. ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ vazhipadu is being performed by the Thantri himself and the same is believed to be done to enhance the ‘Chaithanya’ of the deity. The opinion dated

24.11.2023 of the Thantri of the temple on the quality of ‘Kalabham’ used ‘Kalabhabhishekam’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam is placed on record as Ext.R3(b). Having considered the pleadings and materials on record and also the submissions made at the Bar, we deem it appropriate to direct the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala to file a report before this Court on the procurement of sandalwood for making ‘Kalabham’ DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 21 at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, seeking appropriate directions from this Court. With the above directions, this DBP and SSCR are disposed of. AV/ Sd/- ANIL K. NARENDRAN, JUDGE Sd/- G. GIRISH, JUDGE DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 22 APPENDIX OF DBP 126/2023 RESPONDENT EXHIBITS Exhibit R-8(a) Exhibit R-8(b) Exhibit R-8(c) Exhibit R-8(d) Exhibit R-8(e) Exhibit R-8(f) Exhibit R-8(g) Exhibit R-8(h) Exhibit R 8(i) Annexure-R3(b) Annexure-R3(c) Annexure-R3(a) TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT NO. 19705 ISSUED BY THE TRAVANCORE DEVASOM BOARD TO THE PETITIONER FOR KALABHABHISHEKAM DATED 17.11.2019 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT NO. 1563 ISSUED BY THE TRAVANCORE DEVASOM BOARD TO THE PETITIONER FOR KALABHABHISHEKAM DATED 16.11.2020 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT ISSUED BY THE TRAVANCORE DEVASOM BOARD TO THE PETITIONER FOR KALABHABHISHEKAM DATED 16.11.2021 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT ISSUED TO THE PETITIONER FOR KALABHABHISHEKAM DATED 18.10.2022 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT NO. 182 ISSUED BY THE TRAVANCORE DEVASOM BOARD TO THE PETITIONER FOR KALABHABHISHEKAM DATED 16.11.2023 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT NO. 1573 ISSUED BY THE TRAVANCORE DEVASOM BOARD TO ONE BAIJU S.B FOR KALABHABHISHEKAM DATED 16.12.2020 TRUE COPY OF THE PASS ISSUED BY THE FOREST DEPARTMENT TO THE PETITIONER IN SL. NO. 971 DATED 27.10.2014 TRUE COPY OF THE INVOICE NO.1376 ISSUED BY THE FOREST DEPARTMENT TO THE PETITIONER DATED 27.10.2014 TRUE COPY OF THE IDENTITY CARD ISSUED TO THIS RESPONDENT BY THE MEDIA ORGANISATION IN WHICH THIS RESPONDENT IS WORKING DATED NIL TRUE COPY OF THE OPINION DATED 24.11.2023 OF BRAHMASREE KANTARARU MAHESH MOHANARU TANTRI ADDRESSED TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SABARIMALA TRUE COPY OF THE REPORT NO.E.O.P 925/23/SAB DATED 25.11.2023 REGARDING THE INCIDENT SUBMITTED BY THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER TO THE DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD TRUE COPY OF ORDER VIDE R.O.C. DBP No.126 of 2023 and SSCR No.39 of 2023 23 Annexure R8(j) Annexure R8(k) Annexure R8(l) 8516/2020/SAB DATED 17.03.2022 OF THE DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD TRUE COPY OF THE PAPER REPORT IN KERALA KAUMUDHI DAILY DATED 18.11.2023 TRUE COPY OF THE PAPER REPORT IN KERALA KAUMUDHI DAILY DATED 22.11.2023 TRUE COPY OF THE PAPER REPORT IN KERALA KAUMUDHI DAILY DATED 25.11.2023