The Kerala High Court has come down heavily on the state police for their excessive use of force while dealing with devotees at the Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.

The court observed that never in history has such developments taken place at the temple. It went to the extent of asking whether genuine devotees needed to be shackled just so the authorities could take cover behind a court order to implement the left government’s agenda. . It also asked whether the policemen currently posted at the hilltop shrine had any experience in crowd management.

It has been reported that the state government is considering seeking help from the centre to face the protests at Sabarimala. LDF has discussed this matter, however no official confirmation has come yet.

LDF assesses that clashes at Sabarimala is preplanned by BJP and Sangh Parivar. Ministers also allege that BJP is behind the protest of devotees. Therefore, the government is planning to face the protests with the help from central forces. However, they have decided to take a final decision after the court announces a verdict in the plea filed by devaswom board seeking more time to implement the Supreme Court verdict at Sabarimala.

—India Legal Bureau