Temples exhibiting power rather than devotion should be closed down : Madras High Court

Chennai – On 21st July 2023, Madras High Court commented while hearing a petition that if temple festivals were limited to showing off their power rather than devotion and if they encouraged violence, such temples should be closed down. A petition was filed by Thangaraj, a trustee of Arulmighu Sri Rudhra Maha Kaliamman Aalaya Temple, for providing protection during its festival. A meeting of the Peace Committee was held in the presence of the Tehasildar with the two groups who had differences about the celebration of the temple festival, but no solution could be found. The High Court made the above comment in this context. The issue is about keeping the Idol in the temple. Tehasildar granted permission to celebrate the festival but allowed none of the groups to keep the Idol.

Hindu Temples and earlier comments of different Courts

• In 2022, Madras High Court didn’t grant permission to take action when a temple constructed on public land was being shifted, saying that God is omnipresent and His divine presence doesn’t require a specific place.

• Saket Court, Delhi had dismissed a petition in 2021, filed against the demolition of 27 Hindu and Jain temples earlier demolished near Qutab Minar. The Court stated that mistakes committed in the past cannot be the cause of disturbance in the present and future.

Editorial Viewpoint

Hindus think the decision to close down their temples lies with their ‘Dharmaguru’.