Â
The Kerala High Court has, in a recent judgment, dismissed a petition that had sought a directive to display saffron flags on the premises of the Muthupilakkadu Sree Parthasarathy temple during its festivals and special events. The court's decision was grounded in a profound commitment to preserving the sanctity and reverence associated with places of worship, particularly temples, which are considered as havens of spiritual solace and tranquility.
The petition was heard by Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and was filed by two individuals who had sought police protection to ensure the unhindered conduct of temple rituals and the adornment of the temple grounds with saffron flags, free from any interference. The petitioners, who identified themselves as devout followers of the Muthupilakkadu Sree Parthasarathy temple, underscored their sincere interest in the temple's well-being, the welfare of its devotees, and the proper management of its affairs. To further these objectives, they had established an organization named "Parthasarathy Bakthajanasamithi."
In their argument, the petitioners contended that their attempts to display saffron flags during special occasions and temple functions had been thwarted by certain individuals, specifically respondents 4 to 6, who allegedly employed their influence to obstruct such efforts.
Opposing the petitioners' plea, the government's legal representative argued that the proposed saffron flags were associated with a particular political party and that allowing the temple to become a battleground for political posturing would undermine the temple's peace and sacredness. Additionally, the government counsel brought to the court's attention numerous clashes that had occurred within the temple premises, which they attributed to the actions of the petitioners. It was also asserted that the second petitioner had a history of criminal activities and was listed in the police station's rowdy history sheet. Moreover, the temple's administrative committee had passed a resolution prohibiting the installation of flags, banners, or any political party or organizational paraphernalia within a 100-meter radius of the Kanikkavanchi. The High Court had also issued an order directing the removal of all flags, signs, banners, and similar items erected by political entities, organizations, or individuals within the temple premises.
Following a thorough examination of the arguments presented, the High Court determined that the petitioners had not demonstrated any legitimate authority to oversee temple rituals or to erect flags and decorations within or around the temple. Furthermore, the court highlighted that these actions conflicted with both the court's previous orders and the decisions made by the temple's administrative committee. In a clear and unequivocal statement, the court underscored that the intentions and actions of the petitioners were incompatible with the serene and sacred environment that must be upheld within the temple.
Consequently, the High Court rejected the petitioners' pleas, thereby refusing to grant the direction to display saffron flags on the Muthupilakkadu Sree Parthasarathy temple premises during its festivals and special occasions. This decision was firmly rooted in a commitment to safeguarding the temple's spiritual sanctity and tranquility from being undermined by political maneuvers or attempts at one-upmanship.
