Criticising the Inspector General of Police in-charge of Sabarimala and Superintendent of Police for the alleged action against pilgrims at Sabarimala and Nilackal, the Kerala High Court Wednesday sought all records relating to prohibitory orders clamped in the temple complex and nearby areas.
The court asked whether these officials were having any criminal antecedents.
The court also observed that experienced officials should be put in charge.
A division bench comprising justices P R Ramachandra Menon and N Anil Kumar directed the Pathanamthitta district magistrate to produce all files and records which led to declaration of Section 144 banning assembly of four or more people in Sabarimala 'Sannidhanam' and surrounding areas.
Considering a batch of petitions on Sabarimala, the court sought to know whether the prohibitory orders were issued in good faith and whether the fundamental rights of the genuine devotees were violated.
Flaying the police for the alleged excesses on pilgrims at Sannidhanam, the temple complex, the court said there was no bar for devotees to go in a group to Sabarimala.
It also directed police not to obstruct Ayyappa devotees chanting Ayyappa mantra at Sannidhanam.
The court also pulled up the government for not abiding by its directives to the police issued two days ago and directed the government to file a counter affidavit during the hearing next week.
On Monday, in a strong reprimand, the court had expressed its displeasure over the manner in which Ayyappa devotees were dealt with by the police at the "Sannidhanam".
The bench had questioned the alleged police excesses and asked under what authority did the police prevent the devotees from entering the temple complex.
The court had warned that stringent action would be taken against police officials if such incidents were repeated.
Over 60 pilgrims have been arrested from Sabarimala after they failed to comply to prohibitory orders in place at the temple leading to protests inside thge temple on Sunday.
Restrictions have been imposed at the temple following protests by devotees and activists of the BJP and RSS over the state government's decision to implement the September 28 Supreme Court order allowing women of all age groups to offer prayers at the shrine.
(With inputs from PTI)
