Overview
- A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar on November 12 refused to modify its order and dismissed stall holders’ impleading plea.
- The prohibition covers sales at Pamba and Sannidhanam with the Travancore Devaswom Board directed to enforce the restrictions immediately.
- Vendors may sell only traditionally produced kumkum after filing affidavits attesting its natural origin, with non‑compliance risking cancellation of their licenses.
- The court cited public health and ecological hazards from toxic compounds in chemically manufactured kumkum and referenced citizens’ environmental duty under Article 51A and prior precedent in George M.L. v. State.
- Proceedings arose from a Special Commissioner’s report ahead of the Mandalam–Makaravilakku season, and the court urged practical waste controls such as nets or check‑dams on streams like Valiyathodu.