'Spiritual Grounds Not For Political Manoeuvres': Kerala HC Rejects Plea To Erect Saffron Flags At Temple

The Kerala HC dismissed a petition seeking permission to erect saffron flags on the premises of the Muthupilakkadu Sree Parthasarathy temple in the state.

The Kerala HC dismissed a petition seeking permission to erect saffron flags on the premises of the Muthupilakkadu Sree Parthasarathy temple in the state.

Source : ANI

The Kerala High Court dismissed a petition seeking permission to erect saffron flags on the premises of the Muthupilakkadu Sree Parthasarathy temple in the state. The petition was moved by two persons who purportedly formed an organisation called “Parthasarathy Bakthajanasamithi,” for the welfare of the temple and its devotees.

Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V, who refused the plea, observed that the temples stand as beacons of spiritual solace and tranquillity and such hallowed spiritual grounds must not be diminished by political manoeuvrings or attempts at one-upmanship.  

"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, as quoted by Bar and Bench.

The petitioners were represented by advocates PT Sheehish, A Abdul Rahhman, Aparna V Devassia, and Hemanth H, as per Bar and Bench.  The petitioners claimed that their attempts to put up saffron flags on the temple premises during special occasions were thwarted by the respondents with their influence due to which they thus sought effective and appropriate police protection to enable them to peacefully conduct the temple rituals and decorate the temple premises with their flags without any obstruction, as per Live Law.

The Government Pleader Appu P.S, who opposed the plea, argued that giving permission to use the temple as a battleground for political one-upmanship would only destroy the peace and sanctity associated with the temple, as per Live Law. The counsel further stated that there had been several clashes in the temple previously due to the actions of the petitioners and that the 2nd petitioner herein, in fact, had criminal antecedents and was involved in four criminal cases.

He further submitted that the Administrative Committee of the temple had passed a resolution prohibiting the installation of flags, and banners, of any political parties or organisations within a radius of 100 meters of the Kanikkavanchi, Live Law reported. After hearing the two parties, the court dismissed the plea stating that the petitioners have not demonstrated any legitimate authority to conduct temple rituals as they have prayed for.

"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, as quoted by Bar and Bench.