Kerala High Court orders probe into illegal health cards at Sabarimala

Kerala High Court directed police to investigate alleged illegal health cards at Sabarimala. The order tightens employee health checks to protect pilgrims and hygiene.Image used for representational purposes onlyKochi,Nov 2, 2026 09:56 ISTThe Kerala High Court has taken serious note of alleged irregularities in the issue of health cards to employees of various establishments at Sabarimala and directed that a police complaint be lodged, news agency Press Trust of India reported on November 2.The court also directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to accept only health certificates issued by government medical officers in Kerala while engaging employees.A bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar directed the Pathanamthitta district superintendent of police to ensure that the complaint filed by the Sannidhanam health inspector over the alleged illegal health cards is properly investigated."If the allegations are substantiated and the involvement of any person is established, appropriate proceedings shall be initiated against the persons concerned in accordance with law," the bench said. The court issued the directions while disposing of proceedings initiated on its own on the basis of a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner on the alleged irregularities.According to PTI, the report said the Pathanamthitta district medical officer had received information from the Sannidhanam health officer about serious irregularities in the issue of health cards. "It appears that credible information was received that health cards had been issued to certain employees working in two establishments at Sannidhanam and five persons at Nilakkal, bearing a signature purportedly that of a medical practitioner. The said documents were forwarded through WhatsApp from a mobile number saved under the name 'Manju Mahima'," the court noted.The report also alleged that health certificates had been issued without conducting medical examinations or blood tests on the individuals concerned.After considering the facts and circumstances, the bench directed the board to accept only certificates issued by government medical officers for employees working under various exclusive arrangements and in shops and other establishments covered by the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act or where food safety standards are mandatory.The court said Health Department inspection teams must, during routine checks, verify that employees in such shops and establishments have health certificates issued in accordance with the circular of the Director of Health Services.The bench directed the authorities to ensure strict compliance with these requirements, given the importance of maintaining public health and hygiene at Sabarimala, where large numbers of pilgrims gather. The police will investigate the alleged illegal health cards, while the board and health authorities must ensure that employees have valid certificates issued by government medical officers.- Ends