Kerala High Court bars media from using drone cameras at Sabarimala

The Kerala High Court has recently issued a series of directions to regulate media activity at Sabarimala, including a strict ban on the use of helicams (remote-controlled drones equipped with cameras) by media persons and imposing restrictions on videography near the sanctum sanctorum [Suo Motu v State of Kerala & ors]..The order was passed by a Division Bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S."Since Sabarimala and its vicinity being Special Security Zone under Section 83(1) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, vide notification issued by the State Government, in order to exercise the powers under Section 83(2) of the said Act, the use of helicam at Sabarimala by media persons shall not be permitted. This restriction shall not be applicable to surveillance by the Police, with the help of helicam, as part of crowd management at Sabarimala," the Court added.The Court passed the order while disposing of a suo motu petition, where the Sabarimala Special Commissioner had reported two separate incidents of unauthorized videography during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival of 2024–25.One incident involved a video captured by a temporary employee on his mobile phone during the 'Harivarasanam' prayer on January 2, 2025. The other incident included a cameramen associated with the media, who had climbed on the railings near the 'Sopanam' during the arrival of the 'Thanka Anki' procession to shoot videos and click pictures on December 25, 2024.The report also stated that the police could not take any legal action or seize the camera or phone at that time due to the absence of a specific order from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) prohibiting such acts.Thus, the bench directed TDB to take a decision on whether videography is permitted in the Melethirumuttam area and near the sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala temple after consulting the chief priest.The decision should be placed before the Court along with a report from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner."The 2nd respondent Travancore Devaswom Board is directed to take an appropriate decision on videography in Melethirumuttam and also near the Sanctum Sanctorum of Sabarimala Sannidhanam, after considering the opinion of the Tantri of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple.....The decision taken by the Board shall be placed before the Division Bench dealing with Devaswom matters, along with a report of the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala," the Court said..The Court during the course of hearing was also informed that although videography above the 'Pathinettampadi' was prohibited by earlier orders, there were no specific instructions barring photography in other sensitive areas like Melethirumuttam or in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum.Photographs submitted before the Court showed that several media outlets had placed tripods and other equipment along railings and even rooftops for coverage and that such activities have been occurring in Sabarimala for several years.Taking these submissions into account, the Court reiterated that Sabarimala and its surroundings have been declared a 'Special Security Zone' under Section 83 of the Kerala Police Act, 2011.Accordingly, it banned the use of helicams by media persons within the zone.However, it clarified that this restriction would not apply to surveillance conducted by the police using helicam for purposes of crowd management and ensuring security."Since Sabarimala and its vicinity being Special Security Zone under Section 83(1) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, vide notification issued by the State Government, in order to exercise the powers under Section 83(2) of the said Act, the use of helicam at Sabarimala by media persons shall not be permitted. This restriction shall not be applicable to surveillance by the Police, with the help of helicam, as part of crowd management at Sabarimala," the Court added.It also prohibited the installation of tripods on railings at the Sopanam enclosure and directed that equipment for live telecast of Makarajyothi darshan can only be installed at specific locations with prior permission from TDB and the approval from the Chief Police Coordinator..Additionally, the Court stated that videography, even in permitted zones, should not disturb the pilgrims and directed both TDB and the police officials to ensure that media activity is regulated.It stressed that identity cards for media personnel must be issued strictly as per the Court's earlier order and their accommodation at Sannidhanam must also comply with the directions issued by the Court to prevent unauthorised persons, vloggers and unaccredited reporters from occupying limited accommodation meant for pilgrims..Senior government pleader S Rajmohan appeared for the State and police officers.Standing counsel G Biju represented the Travancore Devaswom Board. Advocate Sayujya Radhakrishnan assisted the Court as Amicus Curiae..[Read Order]