Kerala High Court rejects petition to hoist saffron flag on temples

Kochi (IANS). The Kerala High Court has rejected a plea seeking permission to erect saffron flags on the premises of the Muthupilakkadu Sri Parthasarathy Temple in Kollam.

The Court said, “Temples stand as symbols of spiritual solace and peace, their sanctity and reverence are of paramount importance. Such sacred spiritual foundations should not be diminished by political maneuvering or efforts to one-up each other.” Said in its decision that the petitioners disagree with the peaceful and sacred atmosphere maintained in the temple.

The petition was filed by two persons who claimed to be devotees of Muthupilakkadu Sri Parthasarathy Temple.

In 2022, he formed “Parthasarathy Bakta Jan Samiti” with the aim of welfare of the temple and its devotees.

He pointed out that his efforts to install saffron flags on temple premises during special occasions and festivals were always thwarted by the respondents, who used their political influence.

Therefore, they sought a direction from the court to the police to provide them security so that they are not prevented from hoisting the flags.

But the government counsel pointed out that allowing the petitioners to decorate the temple with flags and festivities associated with a certain political party would be tantamount to allowing the temple to be used as a battleground for political supremacy.

He further pointed out that the actions of the petitioners have led to several clashes in the temple premises, one of which is involved in several criminal cases.

Apart from this, the administrative committee of the temple has passed a resolution prohibiting the installation of flags, banners etc. of any political party or organization within 100 meters of the “Prasad Peti”.

Additionally, the government lawyer also presented a 2020 judgment of the High Court, in which the police were ordered to remove all such establishments from the temple premises.

Subsequently, the court dismissed the petition and said, “The petitioners have not demonstrated any valid authority to perform the rituals in the temple, as they have prayed. Moreover, they cannot be allowed to hoist the flags. “