The Kerala High Court had on 15 September urged the State Government to issue guidelines for the Sabarimala pilgrimage when the temple opens for the monthly 'Kannimasa' Pooja. This has been done after the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode.

The division bench of Justices  Anil K Narendran and Sophy Thomas had asked the  Travancore Devaswom Board to discuss the matter with the health secretary and decide on the matter. The order said,“we deem it appropriate to direct the 2nd respondent Health Secretary, if found necessary, to issue an advisory to Sabarimala pilgrims during Kannimasa Pooja from 17.09.2023 to 22.09.2023, with intimation to the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala and also the 8th respondent Executive Officer, Sabarimala.”

The High Court has also sought the instructions from the Travancore Devaswom Board and Senior Government Pleader. The Standing Counsel for the board has submitted that the total virtual booking during ther Kannimasa Pooja is 34,860. The zone is a containment zone and movement of people have been restricted after the Nipah virus outbreak. People who came in contact with the affected people have also been kept under quarantine.

The High Court disposed of the matter.