The Kerala High Court has directed the police to investigate alleged irregularities in health cards issued to employees at Sabarimala and Nilakkal, while ordering the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to accept only health certificates issued by government medical officers in Kerala.
A bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar directed the Superintendent of Police, Pathanamthitta district, to ensure that a complaint lodged by the Health Inspector of Sannidhanam is properly investigated. The court said that if the allegations are substantiated and the involvement of any person is established, appropriate proceedings should be initiated in accordance with law.
The directions followed proceedings initiated by the court on the basis of a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. The report referred to information received by the District Medical Officer (Health), Pathanamthitta, from the Health Officer at Sannidhanam regarding alleged irregularities in the issuance of health cards.
According to the court-recorded report, health cards had allegedly been issued to employees working at two establishments in Sannidhanam and to five people at Nilakkal. The documents reportedly carried a signature purported to be that of a medical practitioner and were forwarded through WhatsApp from a mobile number saved under the name “Manju Mahima”.
The report further alleged that the certificates were issued without medical examinations or blood tests being conducted on the individuals concerned. The court did not treat the allegations as established wrongdoing, but directed investigation and possible legal action if the claims are proved.
The TDB has been directed to ensure that only health certificates issued by government medical officers in Kerala are accepted for employees working under various exclusive arrangements, as well as in shops and other establishments at Sabarimala. The direction also applies to establishments covered by the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act and workplaces where food-safety standards are mandatory.
The court additionally directed Health Department inspection teams to verify, during routine inspections, whether employees at the relevant shops and establishments hold certificates issued in conformity with the circular of the Director of Health Services. Authorities have been told to take appropriate steps to ensure strict compliance with these requirements.
The court highlighted the importance of maintaining public health and hygiene at Sabarimala, where large numbers of pilgrims congregate. The proceedings were disposed of after the directions were issued. The police investigation and routine Health Department inspections are now the key official steps arising from the order.
