Plea in Kerala High Court Seeks to Restrict Entry of Non-Hindus to Temples Under Cochin Devaswom Board

The bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajithkumar gave time to the Cochin Devaswom Board to file their counter affidavits.

The petition was moved by devotees of Lord Poornathrayeesa Temple in Thripunithura. Petitioners claim that non-believers’Little consideration given to the sacred nature of pujas, ceremonies, rituals or the Agama system They were entering the Sri Poornathrayeesa Temple.

The petitioners particularly pointed out that the Malayalam movie “Vishesham” was shot at the temple. It was alleged that the majority of the film crew were non-Hindus and that the film was shot ignoring religious rituals and ceremonies, hurting the sentiments of religious people. It was stated that in the scene shown, a couple’s wedding took place in the Temple, the bride was shown running away with her boyfriend, and chaos broke out in the Temple.

It was alleged that shooting of commercial films in the temple was against the provisions of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Entry Permit) Rules, 1965.

The petitioner therefore seeks to restrict the entry of intoxicated persons and persons wearing shoes into the Temple and prohibit the shooting of videos or commercials inside the Temple.

The petitioner also seeks instructions from the respondents to install appropriate hoardings at the entrance of all Temples operating under the Cochin Devaswom Board to ensure that every devotee entering the Temple follows its traditions and rituals.

Topic sent to November 13.

The claim was moved as follows: Lawyers T. Sanjay, Sanil Kumar G., Ardhra Krishna

Case Title: Dilip Menon and Others v. Cochin Devaswom Board and Others

Case No: WP(C) No. 34734/ 2024