Keralam govt. rolls back controversial decision to restore Punyam Poonkavanam project in Sabarimala

The Keralam government has rescinded its decision to revive the contentious Punyam Poonkavanam initiative at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, which had been halted by the Kerala High Court. On July 24, 2026, the government announced the project's reinstatement, yet absolved Additional Director General of Police P. Vijayan, who served as the project's nodal officer, from all allegations in a report prepared by former Chief Police Coordinator M.R.

Ajithkumar. Despite the government's endorsement, the project's continuation transgressed a directive from the Devaswom Bench of the court, which mandated that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the police issue a notice to pilgrims clarifying that the project was not part of the Police Bandobast Scheme during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival season of 2023-24.

Furthermore, the court instructed that the project's name should not feature in any activities related to the Sabarimala temple. The Hindu had previously cautioned that the project's revival might contravene the court's order. Consequently, on August 2, the State government issued an amendment retracting the line permitting the project's continuance based on its status as an "exemplary community initiative by the Kerala Police in Sabarimala."

The government's exoneration of the police officer also sidestepped other conclusions in the inquiry report, particularly those highlighting financial misconduct and fraud. The report alleged the unauthorized use of photographs depicting High Court judges, government officials, and celebrities collecting waste, which were subsequently incorporated into the project's promotional materials to fabricate authenticity and attract additional contributions.

The inquiry also disclosed that the project's operations had expanded beyond Kerala's borders, involving units established in various Indian states and countries, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Singapore, and Malaysia, beyond the Kerala Police's jurisdiction.