Kerala High Court rejects plea to place saffron flags on temples, saying temples cannot be used for politics

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition that sought permission to install a saffron flag at Muthupilakkadu Sree Parthasarathy temple. While dismissing the plea the court observed that the temple cannot be allowed to place a flag which is largely associated with a political party. Allowing this would only destroy the peace and sanctity associated with the temple, observed the court.

The petitioners said they are devotees of Sree Parthasarathy temple and when they tried to put up saffron flags on the temple premises during special occasions and temple functions, some people, by using their influence, prevented them from doing so.

They filed the petition seeking police protection for their lives and to enable them to peacefully conduct the temple rituals and to decorate the temple premises with their flags without any obstruction.

Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V dismissed the plea stating, the actions and intentions of the petitioners were clearly at odds with the serene and sacred atmosphere to be maintained in the temple.

The government pleader argued that the petitioners should not be allowed to decorate the temple with flags and festoons associated with a certain political party. He argued that allowing the temple to be used as a battleground for political one-upmanship would only destroy the peace and sanctity associated with the temple.

“Temples stand as beacons of spiritual solace and tranquillity, their sanctity and reverence being of paramount importance. Such hallowed spiritual grounds must not be diminished by political manoeuvrings or attempts at one-upmanship. …The actions and intentions of the petitioners are clearly at odds with the serene and sacred atmosphere to be maintained in the temple”, the Court said in its judgment.

The government pleader added that there have been numerous clashes in the temple premises due to the actions of the petitioners, one of whom is involved in many criminal cases.

The petitioners argued that they have formed an organisation, Parthasarathy Bakthajanasamithi, aimed at the welfare of the temple and its devotees in 2022.

When they attempted to put up saffron flags on the temple premises during special occasions and temple functions, a section of people, prevented the petitioners from doing so. Hence, they sought police protection.

Moreover, the temple’s Administrative Committee has passed a resolution prohibiting the installation of flags, banners, etc., of any political parties or organizations within a radius of 100 meters of the Kanikkavanchi.

“The petitioners have not demonstrated any legitimate authority to conduct temple rituals as they have prayed for. Furthermore, they cannot be allowed to erect flags or festoons in or around the temple, in light of the orders issued by this Court and decision taken by the administrative committee”, the judgment stated.