The Kerala High Court on Thursday ruled that photography and videography are not allowed on Pathinettampadi, the iconic 18 steps at the Sabarimala temple.

The Kerala High Court made this observation following a recent controversy over a photoshoot conducted by police personnel on the sacred Pathinettampadi steps, which drew the Court's attention. 

In response to the Court's directive, the Chief Police Coordinator at Sabarimala submitted an affidavit, assuring that action would be taken against all the officers involved. 

A bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar underscored that photography and videography are strictly prohibited both on the Pathinettampadi steps and in the Thirumuttam, the main courtyard outside the sanctum sanctorum.

"Pathinettampadi (18 holy steps) and Thirumuttam of Sabarimala Sannidhanam are not places where photography or videography can be permitted by pilgrims, vloggers, etc.," the Court said in its order.

The Court opted not to dig into the specifics of the actions taken against the police personnel, leaving the matter to the discretion of the Chief Police Coordinator.  

The order was issued in a suo motu case initiated by the Court to address concerns related to Sabarimala during the ongoing Mandala Makaravilakku festival season. The Court has been hearing the matter daily to tackle emerging issues. 

In Thursday's order, the Court also addressed certain practices observed at the Malikappuram temple, a shrine within the Sabarimala temple complex. It noted that, in recent years, pilgrims have been throwing clothes on the roof, pouring turmeric powder on the walls, and rolling coconuts around the temple—practices not rooted in the temple's customs. 

The Court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, to issue an advisory discouraging such actions and educating pilgrims on adhering to traditional customs.