Swarna Shukla –
Published On: November 12, 2021 at 19:14 IST
The Kerala High Court insisted on installing the spot booking counters at several prime places so that pilgrims who do not own a phone or are not familiar with online booking may not be at a disadvantage as compared to other devotees intending to visit for Darshan.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice P.G Ajithkumar was hearing a PIL challenging the legality of the Pilgrim Management System implemented by the Kerala Police. It alleged that it restricts Darshan in Sabarimala to only those who avail Virtual Queue Services.
Senior Advocate Abir Phukan , appearing for Petitioner says the data of the devotees were stored safely in an encrypted form. In that case, he asserted that since the Kerala Police was not equipped with the technicality.
The Court noted that although sufficient safeguards for data protection should be enforced, for the time being, it was ideal that the system continues since there was no other option for booking for the darshan.
State Attorney N Manoj Kumar submitted that arguments were being established for spot booking at various locations such as Nilakkal, Erumeli and Kumily to increase feasibility. It will be started when the festive season begins. The Court urged the Counsel to establish these counters on more locations.
Presently ,there is a limit of 30,000 devotees to attend the Sabarimala darshan. It was suggested that certain slots should be earmarked for the people choosing spot booking so that they are not denied the right for Darshan.
The panel expressed displeasure over the failure of the Officer in charge of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to file a statement answering the question of data privacy, despite being given several opportunities to do so.
The matter is listed up for hearing.