The Kerala High Court has recently pronounced judgments over protests by "Dolly workers" at Sabarimala, while giving paramount importance to the sanctity of the place of worship. The case dealt with the issue concerning the obstruction caused by the workers carrying pilgrims on dolly chairs, who were old, in going up the hill shrine. Their main demands were increased wages and working conditions.Background of the Protest The protest by dolly workers at Sabarimala made a lot of publicity as they struck work in the pilgrimage season and this has brought some kind of interruption in the smooth conduct of the site. These workers help the pilgrims with disability or any kind of immobility reach the site. However, they say their wages are too less in consideration to the type of strenuous work that the pilgrimage route entails. Though their cause is very genuine, the public protests at the timing and location of the strike question whether it will also ensure the sanctity of the Sabarimala shrine. High Court Observations The Kerala High Court acknowledged the workers' grievance but held that Sabarimala is a religious and spiritual site. The court noted that such protests, especially during the pilgrimage season, interfere with the right to peaceful worship of devotees. The bench held that Sabarimala is not just a public space but a sacred place, and any disruption to its sanctity would be unacceptable. Court Judgment The court asked the dolly workers to address the problem appropriately without hampering the religious atmosphere of Sabarimala. At the same time, the authorities, including Travancore Devaswom Board, were told to attend to the problem that prevailed among the workers on their part effectively in a proper time frame. A good balance was found for safeguarding the sanctity of the temple and rights of the workers. Implications This judgment further reinforces the principle that places of worship should remain free from protests and strikes, no matter what the cause is. It sets a precedent on how to resolve disputes in sensitive locations through dialogue and legal channels rather than disrupting methods. At the same time, judgment asks temple managements to take a benevolent attitude towards workers who play a very important role in keeping religious sites accessible. While calling upon parties to amicably find solutions, the court emphasized mutual respect between workers and temple management.