No need to remove canopy over holy steps: HC

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday held that there was no need to remove the semi-permanent canopy over the Holy Steps at Sabarimala.A Division Bench comprising Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice C T Ravikumar passed the order while closing the suo motu proceedings with regard to the construction of the canopy.“During the last Mandala Makaravilakku season, the canopy had not caused any inconvenience to the pilgrims. Instead, it helped in crowd management. It was also an immediate shelter from rain and sun,” the bench observed. The court said that it was a solace for the policemen on duty on the Holy Steps. So there is no reason to remove the canopy, the court said.