Kerala High Court bans non-religious activities at Sree Sarakara Devi Temple

Kerala HC preserves temple sanctity

In a significant move to protect the sanctity of temple premises, the Kerala High Court has directed the Devaswom Commissioner and Administrative Officer to prevent mass drills and weapons training activities within the Sree Sarakara Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This decision comes in response to a petition challenging the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) conducting training sessions at the temple, raising concerns about the disruption of religious activities.

The Division Bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar made it clear that any activities unrelated to temple worship were considered illegal. They highlighted the fundamental right to faith and the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment within the temple premises. The court emphasized that politics had no place in temple rituals and faith, stressing the need to protect temple property from unauthorized access.

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Strict prohibition on non-religious activities

The High Court's directive not only mandates temple management committees to prevent actions causing difficulties for believers but also extends to law enforcement agencies, urging them to assist in upholding this decision. The court particularly prohibited mass drills and weapons training within temple premises and entrusted the temple's administrative officer with ensuring strict enforcement.

The petitioners, who approached the High Court, expressed concerns about the distress and inconvenience faced by pilgrims, especially women and children, due to ongoing drills and training sessions at the temple. Despite clear circulars from the Travancore Devaswom Board and the temple's administrative officer, these activities persisted, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of the sacred place.

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