Kerala HC bans chemical kumkum, shampoo sachets at Sabarimala
The Kerala High Court just kept the ban on selling chemical kumkum (that bright red powder) and shampoo sachets at Sabarimala temple.
The judges made it clear: protecting the environment and people's health matters more than vendor profits, even if some stall owners aren't happy about it.
Environmental impact and health hazards
Turns out, some chemical kumkum contains non-biodegradable and potentially harmful substances that you don't want in your body or the environment.
When these powders get washed off with shampoo from plastic sachets, they can pollute water and soil, harming aquatic life and lowering oxygen levels in rivers.
Court's firm stand
The court pointed out that using this kind of kumkum can cause skin issues and breathing problems for devotees.
Even though vendors argued that selling kumkum is a pilgrimage tradition (and they'd already paid suppliers), the court stood firm: devotee safety and clean surroundings come first.