The Kerala High Court on Monday issued a stern directive reinforcing its ban on birthday celebrations and videography within the premises of the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. [PP Venugopal & Anr v. State of Kerala & Ors].A Bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S emphasised that a temple is a place solely for worship and for the devotees to exercise their right to worship.It clarified that it was for the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee to ensure that no such activities occur within the Temple premises and that any failure to act would be treated as breach of trust."This writ petition considering the fact that crime has been registered is disposed of in terms of the directions contained in the previous order and making it clear that no activity unbecoming of a devotee can be permitted in the temple premises or in the nadapanthal of the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna temple. In case of any failure on the part of the managing committee in taking effective steps to curb such activities will be treated as acts amounting to breach of trust, which has to be dealt with appropriately. The writ petition is disposed of with above directions," the Court added..The plea was filed by two devotees seeking action against a woman for allegedly violating the provisions of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act, 1965, and its Rules.They alleged that a social media influencer had on multiple occasions filmed videos inside the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, including one where she was seen cutting a birthday cake and quarrelling with devotees inside the nadapanthal.The petitioners contended that the Committee had failed in its duty to prevent such acts and urged the Court to direct appropriate action.Taking note of this, the Court had earlier directed the Committee and its administrator not to permit videography in the nadapanthal, except for weddings or religious ceremonies..During today's hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that despite earlier directions, no further steps were taken by the Committee other than registering a crime.The Guruvayur Devaswom Board had submitted in a statement that the nadapanthal was a public space, making it difficult for them to regulate such unauthorised actions.Justice Narendran clarified that it was not for the High Court to interpret whether the nadapanthal qualified as a public place or otherwise in the present proceedings. However, he warned the Board that it was its responsibility to take appropriate action when such violations occurred, and stated that failure to do so would amount to breach of trust."It is your responsibility to ensure that the temple premises is maintained properly without affecting or disturbing the devotees. If you fail to do that, whether it's within the nadapanthal or outside, it will certainly amount to breach of trust," the judge remarked orally.Accordingly, the Court disposed of the petition..The petitioners were represented by Advocates R Krishna Raj, R Pratheesh (Aranmula), ES Soni, Sreeraja V and Laxmi Priyaa N..[Order copy is awaited]
