The Kerala High Court has recently dismissed a petition seeking permission to place saffron flags within the premises of the Muthupilakkadu Sree Parthasarathy temple. The judgment in the case of R Sreenath & Anr. v State of Kerala & Ors. underscores that the use of temple grounds for political purposes, such as displaying flags associated with specific political parties, is unacceptable.
Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V delivered the ruling, emphasizing that temples serve as havens of spiritual solace and tranquility, and their sanctity and reverence must be upheld. The court expressed its stance against diminishing the serene and sacred atmosphere of temples with political maneuvers or attempts at political 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,” stated the Court in its judgment.
The petition was filed by two individuals who claimed to be devotees of the Muthupilakkadu Sree Parthasarathy temple. In 2022, they purportedly established an organization called “Parthasarathy Bakthajanasamithi,” aimed at the welfare of the temple and its devotees.
They contended that their efforts to place saffron flags on the temple premises during special occasions and festivals were consistently obstructed by respondents who allegedly wielded political influence. As a result, they sought a court order to instruct the police to provide them protection to prevent interference with their flag installations.
In opposition to the plea, the Government Pleader argued that permitting the petitioners to decorate the temple with flags and decorations associated with a specific political party would effectively transform the temple into a battleground for political rivalry. The Government Pleader also pointed out numerous clashes within the temple premises due to the actions of one of the petitioners, who is involved in multiple criminal cases.
Furthermore, the temple’s Administrative Committee had passed a resolution prohibiting the display of flags, banners, or any political party or organization-related installations within a 100-meter radius of the Kanikkavanchi.
The Government Pleader also referenced a 2020 High Court judgment that ordered the removal of such installations from temple premises by the police.
After evaluating the arguments presented by both sides, the Court ultimately dismissed the petition.
“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 decorations in or around the temple, in light of the orders issued by this Court and the decision taken by the administrative committee,” the judgment concluded.
The petitioners were represented by advocates PT Sheehish, A Abdul Rahhman, Aparna V Devassia, and Hemanth H. Government Pleader Appu PS represented the State, while other respondents were represented by advocates Jayaprabha Arjun, Ajay S Koshy, Aswin V Nair, and Abijith M.
