SSCR NO.8 of 2016 1 2025:KER:12032 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN & THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE MURALEE KRISHNA S. WEDNESDAY, THE 12TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2025 / 23RD MAGHA, 1946 SSCR NO. 8 OF 2016 IN THE MATTER OF TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD - SABARIMALA-SM REPORT NO.22/2016, BY SPECIAL COMMISSIONER SABARIMALA-FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PROCURE EQUIPMENTS AND GADGETS TO ENSURE SECURITY SABARIMALA-SUO MOTU PROCEEDINGS INITIATED-REG PETITIONER: SUO MOTU RESPONDENTS: 1 TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEVASWOM HEAD QUARTERS, NANTHANCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695003 2 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001 3 SENIOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR, KERALA STATE AUDIT DEPARTMENT, TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD AUDIT, NANTHANCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695003 BY ADV SHRI.S.RAJMOHAN, SENIOR G.P. OTHER PRESENT: SRI. S. RAJMOHAN, SR. GP; SRI. G. BIJU, SC, TDB; SMT. SAYUJYA RADHAKRISHNAN, AMICUS CURIAE SSCR NO.8 of 2016 2 2025:KER:12032 THIS SABARIMALA SPECIAL COMMISSIONER REPORT HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 12.02.2025, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: SSCR NO.8 of 2016 3 2025:KER:12032 ORDER Anil K. Narendran, J. This report filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala is regarding the request made by the State Police Chief highlighting the requirements of the police department for purchasing equipments to ensure effective security at Sabarimala. The report of the Special Commissioner reads thus; ''This report is filed regarding the request submitted by the State Police Chief Kerala, highlighting the requirements of the Police Department for purchasing equipments to ensure effective security at Sabarimala. The State Police Chief has stated that to ensure proper security and crowd management at Sabarimala during the pilgrimage and festival season, the Police Department requires modern equipment and gadgets. Due to the huge crowd and threat perception from all angles the security vulnerability is increased. Though a number of Security gadgets were procured and installed in 2007, many of them are not functional and some of them have became obsolete. The State Police Chief has given a list of gadgets/equipments to be procured to ensure security at Sabarimala from every angle. The State Police Chief has also stated that due to lack of budgetary allocation, the Police Department is not able to bear the expense of the equipments. The Guruvayoor SSCR NO.8 of 2016 4 2025:KER:12032 Devaswam Board has borne the expenses for purchase of equipments for security purposes and maintenance and the Travancore Devaswam Board also may be ordered to bear the cost the equipments. It is submitted that modern equipments like metal detectors, baggage scanners, some bomb detection and disposal equipments etc are required to ensure security and crowd management at Sabarimala. The equipments are required considering the threat perception from every angle and to prevent and detect attempts to commit sabotage. The procurement of the above referred equipment by the Police Department is necessary to ensure effective security at Sabarimala. It is submitted that the equipments and gadgets procured for maintaining security at Sabarimala would have to be installed and used in and around Sabarimala itself by the Police Department. It is not likely to be used for any other purpose by the Police Department. Therefore it is prayed that necessary directions may be issued to the Travancore Devaswam Board and the other Stake holders to give Financial Assistance to the Police Department to procure the equipments and gadgets to ensure security at Sabarimala.'' 2. On 05.10.2016, when this SSCR came up for consideration, the learned Government Pleader sought time to get instructions. SSCR NO.8 of 2016 5 2025:KER:12032 3. On 03.11.2016, when this SSCR came up for consideration, this Court passed the following order; ''There will be a direction to the State Government to purchase such security equipments as are found necessary for measures relating to maintenance of safety and security of Sabarimala and allied premises. The issue as to whether the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has to contribute any amount at all can be adjudicated later on. The requisite purchases shall not be delayed and use of equipments shall also not be crippled on account of any non-contribution of amounts by TDB. The liability of the TDB to make any payment or contribution will be decided later on.'' 4. The order dated 03.11.2016 was followed by another order dated 14.08.2017, which reads thus; "The learned State Attorney submits that pursuant to the orders passed by this Court at different points of time all the necessary equipments have been purchased and installed also effecting disbursal of the payment due to the parties who had undertaken the work namely M/s. Keltron. 2. The learned Standing Counsel for the Devaswom submits that as per the order passed by this Court dated 28.9.2016, 75% of the cost has to be incurred by the State, while 25% is to be satisfied by the Board which part has been satisfied by the Board as well. Reference is also made to the specific order passed by this Court to the effect that the burden to provide sufficient security is the burden of the State as SSCR NO.8 of 2016 6 2025:KER:12032 observed by this Court and that it is for the State to incur the necessary expenditure towards the AMC leading to a specific direction to reimburse the amount under the head 'Annual Maintenance' to the Travancore Devaswom Board. Despite the said order, the amount incurred by the Board under this head as projected by way of Annexure H and I has not been disbursed so far. It is also brought to the notice of this Court that the installations to be made at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam are mainly covered by Annexure A, B and C equipments. Installation in respect of Annexure A is stated as completed by the State and installation under the head Annexure C, which is the burden of the Board, is also stated as satisfied. The affidavit dated 8.7.2017 filed by the second respondent is with reference to Annexure (j) judgment/order passed by this Court dated 28.9.2016, which is in relation to installation of additional equipments /CC TV cameras as suggested by the Police Chief is SCR No.5/2016. The contribution to be made by the Devaswom Board to an extent of 25% has been satisfied and the installation stated as complete in the said affidavit is only in respect of the item 'CC TV Cameras' and nothing else. In other words, the installation of equipments under the head Annexure B, dealt with in 'Annexure E order' is still to be completed. 3. The learned Standing Counsel for the Board also points out that nothing is mentioned in the affidavit with reference to the compliance of the direction of the order in SSCR SSCR NO.8 of 2016 7 2025:KER:12032 No.8/2016, wherein the State was permitted to proceed with the procurement of the necessary equipments as ordered on 3.11.2016 and to have the same implemented, subject to the apportionment to be effected by the Devaswom to an extent of 25%. 4. The learned State Attorney seeks for further time to get more particulars in this regard, especially with regard to the installation of Annexure B equipments and also with reference to the present report i.e., SSCR No.8/2015 and to file an additional affidavit to the requisite extent in this regard. The said affidavit shall also contain the particulars of the amount to be refunded to the Devaswom Board, confining the liability of the Devaswom Board to an extent of 25% as ordered by this Court with reference to Annexure H and I." 5. The order dated 14.08.2017 was followed by the order dated 18.09.2017, which reads thus; ''The learned State Attorney submits that an affidavit has been filed by the Chief Secretary pursuant to the direction given by this Court as per order dated 14.08.2017 pointing out the various facts and figures and also as to the excess payment effected by the Government to the Devaswom to an extent of Rs.42,53,977/-. Submission is also made with regard to paragraph Nos.10 and 11 of the said affidavit dated 16.09.2017 as to the administrative sanction given by the Government for releasing a sum of Rs.11,36,31,747/- for the purchase of equipments for 2017-18 Sabarimala SSCR NO.8 of 2016 8 2025:KER:12032 season, out of which 25% is to be contributed by the Devaswom Board. The learned Standing Counsel for the Devaswom Board seeks for a short time more to verify the correctness of the facts and figures.'' 6. Order dated 18.09.2017 was followed by another order dated 25.09.2017, which reads thus; "Learned State Attorney submits that necessary sanction has been given for purchase of security equipments through 'Keltron' for installation at Sabarimala vide G.O.(Rt)No. 2496/2017/Home dated 23.09.2017. As per the proceedings, it is seen that the total cost is worked out as Rs.11,36,31,747/-. Going by the interim orders passed by this Court, 25% of said amount has necessary to be contributed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. There is a further case for the State that there is an excess payment of Rs.42,20,977/- to the Devaswom; the correctness of which will be dealt with in the due course, as instructions have to be received from the Devaswom Board as well. 2. The learned Standing Counsel for the Devaswom Board submits that a meeting of the Board members is convened to be held this week and seeks to have a posting in the second week of October, 2017. The learned Standing Counsel also points out that 25% of the amount of Rs.2,53,26,747/- (shown in the Govt. Order dated 23.09.2017) in respect of the cost of installation of Security SSCR NO.8 of 2016 9 2025:KER:12032 Cameras, was already paid by the Board in the last year and that the Cameras have been installed; which however has been wrongly included in the present estimate. The learned State Attorney submits that the installation of CCTV cameras has been made and if there is any duplication, it can be accounted properly. 3. In so far as there cannot be any dispute with regard to the obligation of the Board to contribute an extent of 25%, based on the interim orders passed by this Court, there will be a direction to effect a provisional payment of Rs.2.5 crores to the State Government, so as to enable them to place orders to procure the equipments and have the same installed at Sabarimala. The dispute as to the actual extent will be sorted out in the due course. Considering the fact that the festival season of this year is to commence within a span of 45 days, the payment as above shall be effected forthwith, at any rate, on or before 30.09.2017." 7. On 09.10.2017, when this SSCR came up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for the Devasworn Board submitted that the amount ordered to be paid by the Devaswom as per the order dated 25.9.2017 has already been satisfied. The learned State Attorney sought time to confirm the position. It was added by the learned State Attorney that the amount mentioned as cost for installation of the camera which was disputed on the last occasion from the part of the Board, is in SSCR NO.8 of 2016 10 2025:KER:12032 respect of the 2nd phase from Pamba to Chalakayam; whereas the amount shown in the earlier proceeding was in respect of installation from Sannidhanam to Pandithavalam. The procurement of all materials/ equipments and the installation shall be reported before this Court. 8. On 13.11.2017, when this SSCR was taken up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for the Devaswom Board submitted that the particulars of various equipments purchased and stated as installed are not given by the Police. The learned State Attorney submitted that all the requirements have been satisfied and that most of the equipments have already been installed. The remaining items are stated as being erected/ installed and that the steps in this regard will be completed before the commencement of Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season. The learned State Attorney submitted further that, particulars in this regard shall be furnished in the form of a statement before this Court. 9. On 22.06.2017, an affidavit dated 17.06.2017 on SSCR NO.8 of 2016 11 2025:KER:12032 behalf of the Devaswom Board has been placed on record, producing therewith Annexures A to J orders of this Court. Paragraphs 8 to 11 of that affidavit read thus; ''8. It is submitted that from 2010 till November, 2016 the Board has been meeting the expenses for the AMC/re installation charges of the security equipments. The details of the same are as follows: Year AMC Charges Reinstallation Charges 2010-11 Rs.39,49,654/- Rs.8,75,000/- 2011-12 Rs.42,65,112/- Rs.8,75,000/- 2012-13 Rs.43,44,769/- Rs.8,91,342/- 2013-14 Rs.44,00,000/- Rs.8,91,342/- 2014-15 Rs.33,18,012/- Rs.8,91,326/- 2015-16 Rs.40,54,011/- Rs.9,04,352/- Total Rs.2,43,31,559/- Rs.53,28,362/- In terms of Annexure- F order dated 17.11.2015 the Board is entitled to refund of the said amounts. It is further submitted that till this date the Board has not received the excess amount paid by it towards purchase of the security equipments and ordered to be refunded as per Annexure-G order. Though the Chief Engineer (General) of the Board by his letters dated 04.04.2016 and 01.09.2016 had brought to the notice of the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Home (G) Department, no action has been taken by the State Government till date to refund the aforementioned amounts. A copy of the letters dated 04.04.2016 and 01.09.2016 of the Chief Engineer (General) are produced herewith and marked as Annexures H & I. SSCR NO.8 of 2016 12 2025:KER:12032 9. It is submitted that the State Police Chief had through the Special Commissioner sought for a direction through the Travancore Devaswom Board for purchase of bullet cameras valued at Rs.2 crores approximately. The Special Commissioner, Sabarimala had forwarded the said request of the State Police Chief as per report numbered as SSCR No.5 of 2016. This Hon'ble Court after considering the said report and the earlier orders in Report No.57 in O.P.No.3821 of 1990 and DBP No. 42 of 2009 disposed of SSCR No.5 of 2016 as per an order dated 28.09.2016 directing the State Govt. to procure the necessary equipments and that the Board would have to meet 25% of the cost of the said equipments. A copy of the order dated 28.09.2016 in SSCR No.5 of 2016 is produced herewith and marked as Annexure-J. 10. It is therefore respectfully submitted that the request of the State Police Chief as appended to the report of the Special Commissioner without referring to the earlier orders of this Hon'ble Court does not merit any consideration. It is pertinent to state here that this Hon'ble Court as per an order dated 03.11.2016 had ordered that the pendency of the report would not stand in the way of the State Govt. procuring such of those equipments required as per the request of the State Police Chief and that an affidavit of the State Govt, regarding the details of the equipments procured was to be filed. However the State Govt. has till date not filed any affidavit in terms of the directions SSCR NO.8 of 2016 13 2025:KER:12032 contained in the order dated 03.11.2016. The Board bonafide beliefs that the State Govt. had not purchased any of the security equipments covered by the request of the State Police Chief. 11. This Hon'ble Court as per an order dated 27.03.2017 had directed the Board to furnish the details of the amounts, if any, paid by the Board to the State Govt. in connection with the festival season every year at Sabarimala and if so under which heads. It is submitted that the Board had during the just concluded festival season paid a total amount of Rs.14,33,99,193/- to the State Govt/other departments under the State Govt., details of which are as follows: Sabarimala Sanitation Society Rs.1,00,00,000.00 Food & Safety Department Rs.4,08,971.00 Legal Metrology Rs.24,865.00 State Police Rs.63,31,687.00 Forest Rs.46,670.00 RAF Rs.15,600.00 BSNL Rs.5,62,064.00 Kerala Water Authority Rs.40,00,000.00 KSEB Rs.12,70,09,336.00 Total Rs.14,83,99,193.00 10. On behalf of the 2nd respondent State, the Chief Secretary to Government has sworn to an affidavit dated 08.07.2017. Paragraphs 2 to 6 of that affidavit read thus; ''2. I submit that the State Government had taken all steps with the seriousness required for purchasing and SSCR NO.8 of 2016 14 2025:KER:12032 maintaining of security equipments at Sabarimala and allied places. With respect to the purchase of security equipments at Sabarimala, the State Police Chief submitted a report dated 23.09.2016 pointing out that some of the security equipments which are being used at Sabarimala and allied places requires replacement as many of them have become redundant due to advance technology. He submitted a list of equipments to be purchased as Annexure A to the report and also the equipments to be repaired and maintained as Annexure B. The total approximate estimated cost of the equipments to be purchased was shown as Rs.11,36,31,747/- and the total estimated cost of maintenance was shown as Rs.42 Lakhs. The said report of the State Police Chief was submitted before this Court by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala along with his report dated 01.10.2016. True copy of the report dated 01.10.2016 along with the report of the State Police Chief regarding the estimated cost of purchasing new security equipments and maintenance of the existing security equipments is produced herewith and marked as Annexure I. 3. The Government of Kerala considered the necessity of purchasing new security equipments and maintenance of the existing equipments and issued G.O.(Rt)171/2017/ Home dated 23.01.2017 according administrative sanction for purchasing security equipments and for using the amount for repair and maintenance. The State Police Chief SSCR NO.8 of 2016 15 2025:KER:12032 was directed to move for additional funds. True copy of the G.O.(Rt)No.171/2017/Home dated 23.01.2017 is produced herewith and marked as Annexure II. 4. The Government viewed the issue of security of Sabarimala with all seriousness and had done everything necessary for the same. This respondent called for a report from the State Police Chief regarding the installation and maintenance of security equipments at Sabarimala and the State Police Chief submitted a report dated 03.07.2017 narrating the actions he had taken for installation and commissioning of modern security cameras. It is reported that the installation is completed and the system is fully functional and completion certificates is issued by M/s. Keltron. True copy of the report submitted by the Director General of Police and the State Police Chief to the Additional Chief Secretary to Home is produced herewith and marked as Annexure III. 5. It is reiterated that the Government of Kerala has always taken all steps without any reservation in the matter of security of Sabarimala and has from time to time purchased and maintained security equipments without waiting for the fund being released by the Travancore Devaswom Board. 6. Without prejudice to the expenditure being sanctioned by the Government of Kerala, it is submitted that further decision will also be taken with respect to the continued maintenance of equipments and purchase of new equipments at Sabarimala which will be recurring every year. Government is initiating discussions with the Travancore SSCR NO.8 of 2016 16 2025:KER:12032 Devaswom Board with regard to sharing of the cost in the light of the observations of the Honourable Court in its judgement dated 03.11.2016.'' 11. On behalf of the 1st respondent Travancore Devaswom Board, an affidavit dated 30.10.2017 has been sworn to by its Secretary. Paragraphs 4 to 7 of that affidavit read thus; ''4. As regards the list of the equipments intended to be purchased pursuant to the administrative sanction accorded by the State Government as per G.O.(Rt) No.2496/2017/Home dated 23.09.2017 it is respectfully submitted that the State Government has accorded such sanction even without verifying the factual position. The equipments intended to be purchased in terms of the above sanction are purportedly the equipments referred to by the State Police Chief as per his letter dated 23.09.2016 addressed to the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala and which is the basis of the above report SSCR No.8/2016. A perusal of the letter dated 23.09.2016 will disclose that among the various items intended to be purchased, the State Police Chief had intended to purchase 35 security cameras total value of which is shown to be Rs.2,53,26,747/-. It is respectfully submitted that the issue pertaining to purchase of 35 security cameras was the subject matter of SSCR No.5 of 2016. This Hon'ble Court by Annexure-J order dated 28.09.2016 accorded sanction for SSCR NO.8 of 2016 17 2025:KER:12032 purchasing the said cameras and the Board was directed to effect payment of 25% of the cost to be incurred by the State Government in this regard. It is not in dispute that in due compliance with the direction of this Hon'ble Court dated 28.09.2016 in SSCR No.8/2016 the Board had effected payment of an amount of Rs.63,31,687/- towards 25% of the value of the 35 security cameras. Thus it is evident that the security cameras shown in the letter of the State Police Chief dated 23.9.2016 has to be deleted, whereby the total value of the equipments intended as per the said letter would also come down. The calculation is as follows: The total cost of equipments to be purchased for the year of 2017-18 as informed by the police department 11,36,31,747.00 Less the cost of 35 Nos. Of Security Camera 2,53,26,747.00 Actual cost of equipments to be purchased 8,83,05,000.00 25% of Rs.8,83,05,000 to be contributed by the board 2,20,76,250.00 Actual payment made by the Board 2,50,00,000.00 Excess amount paid by the Board 29,23,750.00 Thus an amount of Rs.29,23,750/- has to be refunded by the Government under this head. 5. It is submitted that if the remaining equipments are really intended, the Board is liable to meet the 25% of the expense incurred for the same. I further respectfully submit that SSCR NO.8 of 2016 18 2025:KER:12032 inspite of the order dated 3.11.2016 passed by this Hon'ble Court in the above case directing the State Government to purchase such of those equipments found necessary in terms of the request made by the State Police Chief, the very fact that no equipment has been purchased till date goes to show that there is no necessity for such purchase as intended. It is further submitted that in due compliance with the direction of this Hon'ble Court dated 25.9.2017 the Board has effected payment of an amount of Rs.2.5 crores to the State Government. This Hon'ble Court may be pleased to direct the State Government to effect purchase of the equipments without any further delay. 6. The contentions in Para 9 of the affidavit is not correct and hence denied. As per the order dated 17-11-2015 in D.B.A No.157, D.B.P. No 42 and S.S.C.R.No.1 of 2009, this Hon'ble Court had ordered that "the entire AMC has to be expended bythe Government, more particularly because as has been already found through the earlier orders, provision of security is entirely a responsibility of the State Government. Therefore, the A.M.C for all the equipments, whether they are purchased by the State Government or by the TDB shall be footed by the State Government". In the light of the said order, it is submitted that the Board is entitled to get an amount of Rs.2,96,59,921/- from the Government towards the Annual Maintenance Charge and the re-installation charges which was already paid by the Board to M/s Keltron. SSCR NO.8 of 2016 19 2025:KER:12032 The year wise expenditure is tabulated as follows: Year A.M.C. Charges in Rs. Reinstallation Charges in Rs. 2010-11 39,49,654/- 8,75,000/- 2011-12 42,65,112/- 8,75,000/- 2012-13 43,44,769/- 8,91,342/- 2013-14 44,00,000/- 8,91,342/- 2014-15 33,18,012/- 8,91,326/- 2015-16 40,54,011/- 9,04,352/- Total 2,43,31,559/- 53,28,362/- Grand Total 2,96,59,921/- Thus an amount of Rs.2,96,59,921 has to be refunded by the Government under this head. Thus the Board is entitled to claim the total amount of refund of Rs.3,92,40,334/- under three heads (Rs.66,56,663 + Rs.2,96,59,921 + Rs.29,23,750 = Rs.3,92,40,334/-) from the Government. 7. Hence it is respectfully prayed that this Hon'ble Court be pleased to direct the State Government to pay an amount of Rs.2,96,59,921/- to the Board towards the cost of annual maintenance charge already paid to M/s Keltron by the Board and to refund of an amount of Rs.66,56,663/- received in excess towards the purchase of the security equipments in 2009 and to refund of an amount of Rs.29,23,750/ received in excess amount towards the purchase of equipment for the year of 2017-18, totally amounting to Rs. 3,92,40,334/-.'' 12. 3,92,40,334/-.'' 12. Heard the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board, the learned Senior Government Pleader and SSCR NO.8 of 2016 20 2025:KER:12032 also Adv.Sayujya Radhakrishnan, the learned Amicus Curiae for the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala. 13. Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950, enacted by the State Legislature, makes provision for the administration, supervision and control of incorporated and 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 Travancore Devaswom Board. Sabarimala Devaswom is an incorporated Devaswom mentioned in Schedule I of the Act, under Chengannur Group, Pathanamthitta Taluk. 14. Section 15A of the Act, inserted by Act 5 of 2007, with effect from 12.04.2007, deals with the duties of the 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) SSCR NO.8 of 2016 21 2025:KER:12032 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. 15. Sabarimala is situated in a difficult forest terrain prone to natural disasters. Sabarimala and its vicinity are a Special Security Zone under Section 83(1) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, vide G.O.(Ms.)No.74/2024/Home dated 14.10.2024 issued by the State Government, in order to exercise the powers under Section 83(2) of the said Act, to ensure a safe, secure and hassle-free pilgrimage. 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 (7) KHC SN 5]. 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. 16. Having considered the pleadings and materials on record and also the submissions made at the Bar, we notice that the issues involved in this SSCR can be directed to be considered SSCR NO.8 of 2016 22 2025:KER:12032 in a joint meeting convened by the Chief Secretary to Government with the Special Secretary to Government, Revenue (Devaswom) Department, the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Home Department, which shall be attended by the Devaswom Commissioner, Travancore Devaswom Board, the Secretary, Travancore Devaswom Board, the Chief Engineer, Travancore Devaswom Board and also the Chief Police Co-ordinator, Sabarimala. In such circumstances, this SSCR is disposed of by directing the 2nd respondent Chief Secretary to Government to convene a joint meeting, as stated hereinbefore, to resolve the issues involved in this SSCR, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. Sd/- ANIL K. NARENDRAN, JUDGE Sd/- MURALEE KRISHNA S., JUDGE Dxy