Kerala High Court on Thursday backed  the State Government on its imposing prohibitory orders in and around Sabarimala.

This came as big relief to the Government which had been facing severe criticism from Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front and the BJP-RSS combine.

The court expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made for pilgrims at Sabarimala. The three-member committee appointed by the court to monitor arrangements at the shrine reported that arrangements ensured smooth darshan for pilgrims at the  shrine.

An affidavit filed by the Additional District Magistrate said the prohibitory orders under Section 144 around the shrine and other base camps were to only to ensure the security of pilgrims. Also the orders were no hindrance and ensured hassle-free darshan for pilgrims.

The court while observing as to who was worried because of the ban orders accepted the affidavit.

It also observed that the committee had noted that arrangements were such at the shrine that pilgrims had little difficulty even on Monday when 80,000 devotees who had darshan at the shrine and could offer prayers in a peaceful manner.