Plea Seeks Bar On Entry Of Non-Hindus In Temples Citing 'Vishesham' Shooting, Kerala HC Seeks Cochin Board's Reply

The plea has made a reference to a recent shoot of a Malayalam movie “Vishesham” in the temple, alleging that majority of crew were non-Hindus.

Among several other prayers the petitioner has also sought a restriction on the entry of inebriated persons and persons wearing footwear inside the Temple.

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The Kerala High Court has sought a reply from Cochin Devaswom Board on a petition seeking a bar on entry of persons belonging to other religious faiths into Temples under the board. The plea has made a reference to a recent shoot of a Malayalam movie “Vishesham” in the temple, alleging that majority of crew were non-Hindus.

A bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajithkumar has given time to the Cochin Devaswom Board to file their reply to a petition that seeks a direction from the court that people belonging to other religions cannot enter hindu temples that function under the Cochin Devaswom Board in the state, the Live Law reported.

The petitioner further seeks direction from court to install appropriate boards at the entrance of all Temples functioning under the Cochin Devaswom Board to ensure that every devotee visiting the Temple follows its customs and rituals.

According to the report, the petition is moved by devotees of Lord Poornathrayeesa Temple at Thripunithura, who have flagged that in a recent shooting of the Malayalam movie “Vishesham,” the majority of the crew of the movie were non-Hindus and it was shot disregarding the religious rituals and ceremonies by hurting the sentiments of devotees.

The plea objected to a scene in the movie where a couple gets married in the Temple and the bride is shown eloping with her boyfriend, creating a ruckus in the Temple, the Live Law report said.

The plea has further contended that shooting a commercial movie on the temple premises is against the provisions of Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorization of Entry) Rules, 1965. The plea has sought a prohibition on the shooting of video or commercial films inside the Temple.

Among several other prayers the petitioner has also sought a restriction on the entry of inebriated persons and persons wearing footwear inside the Temple.