Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Kerala High Court Orders Lab Test of Kumkum for Sabarimala Temple
The Kerala High Court has formed a team of drug inspectors to check the quality of kumkum, a red powder used in Hindu rituals, that is being sold to devotees at the Sabarimala Temple.
The court took this step because there were complaints that the kumkum being sold might be synthetic, which is not allowed.
The court looked at photos showing kumkum being sold in open containers, which is against the rules.
They have asked the team to collect samples and test them in a proper lab to make sure the kumkum is safe and follows the rules.
A company called Ideal Enterprises, which sells the kumkum, says they bought it from another company and that it is made from natural ingredients.
The court wants to make sure that the kumkum is safe for people to use.
Kerala High Court constituted a team of drug inspectors to inspect and submit a lab report on the quality of kumkum supplied to Sabarimala Temple devotees.
Allegations were made by the Erumeli Gram Panchayat that synthetic kumkum was being sold despite a prohibition.
The court noted that the sale of unlabelled and unpackaged kumkum violates the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and BIS Standard IS:10999.
Ideal Enterprises, a distributor noticed by the court, claimed they purchased kumkum from KJK Traders, Mumbai, and that it is made from natural ingredients.
The court ordered that samples collected be forwarded to a recognized and accredited laboratory for testing, with the analysis report to be placed before the court at the earliest.
- Who
- Kerala High Court, Erumeli Gram Panchayat, Ideal Enterprises, KJK Traders, Mumbai
- What
- Allegations of synthetic kumkum being sold to Sabarimala Temple devotees
- When
- December 8, 2023 (hearing date)
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- To ensure the quality and safety of kumkum supplied to devotees and to address allegations of synthetic kumkum being sold
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Issue
- Quality of kumkum supplied to Sabarimala Temple devotees
- Allegations
- Synthetic kumkum being sold despite prohibition
- Team Constituted
- Drug inspectors from Kottayam and Pathanamthitta
- Rules Violated
- Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, Cosmetics Rules, 2020, BIS Standard IS:10999
- Distributor Noticed
- Ideal Enterprises
- Lab Testing Required
- Samples to be tested at a recognized and accredited laboratory