The Madras High Court has turned down a petition filed by the Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA), which sought to prohibit movie reviews for the first three days following a film’s release. The association argued that negative reviews shortly after release often harm a film’s commercial performance.
The petition was reportedly inspired by recent criticism faced by the Tamil film Kanguva, starring actor Suriya, which premiered on 14 November 2024. According to TFAPA, the negative reviews allegedly impacted the movie’s box office revenue. The move to file a petition follows escalating concerns within the Tamil film industry regarding the impact of immediate and harsh online reviews on box office performance. According to the Tamil Nadu Producers Council (TNPC), films like Indian 2, Vettaiyan, and Suriya’s Kanguva have suffered significant losses due to negative reviews and personal attacks shared on YouTube and other platforms shortly after release. Kanguva, in particular, failed to make an impact at the box office, which industry insiders attribute partly to unfavorable online reviews.
However, the court ruled against the TFAPA petition for ban, emphasizing that criticism, including film reviews, falls under the constitutional right to freedom of expression. The bench added that individuals or organizations have the option to approach law enforcement if they believe defamatory content is being disseminated.
The TFAPA and TNPC claimed that such reviews often include personal malice and incitement of hatred disguised as criticism, severely affecting the reputation of actors, directors, and producers. The TNPC also issued a four-page statement condemning this practice and requesting theatre owners to ban YouTube channels from recording public opinions and reviews inside theatre premises. In response, some theatres have already restricted access to YouTubers during screenings.
The TNPC emphasized that critics have the right to express their opinions but called for responsible reviewing that avoids personal attacks or sowing hatred against films. The association urged all stakeholders in the film industry to take unified action to discourage such practices.
The Tamil film industry has been grappling with back-to-back underperforming big-budget films, including those featuring major stars like Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Suriya. Producers claim that immediate online reviews, particularly first-day-first-show (FDFS) reactions, discourage audiences from watching movies, leading to financial losses.
Rare ancient inscriptions have been uncovered near the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, as seawater along the beach receded by over 100 feet, sparking the interest of archaeology enthusiasts. This phenomenon, which typically occurs during full moon days, sees the water return to normal levels by the end of the day.
Since, 27 November, as Cyclone Fengal intensified over the southwest Bay of Bengal, the seawater along Tiruchendur beach receded, revealing large inscriptions alongside algae-covered rocks. Devotees quickly moved the inscription to a rock for better visibility.
Upon hearing about the discovery, Sudhakar, Head of the Department of Archaeology at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli and Professor Mathivanan visited the site for an inspection. Sudhakar explained that after applying flour to the inscription to enhance the readability of the letters, they discovered the inscription mentioned “Mata Theertham.” Written in colloquial language, it indicated that participation in this Theertham would bring all auspicious blessings. The inscription consisted of 15 lines.
Sudhakar suggested that these inscriptions likely date back 50 to 100 years. They also examined another inscription near the Ayya Vaikundar temple, where no visible writing was found at first. However, with public assistance, they were able to reveal 17 lines starting with the words “Pitha Theertham.” Sudhakar noted that further examination of other Theertham wells, particularly in the southern region near Nazhikinaru, could provide valuable insights into additional sacred water sources, which are important for devotees.
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Dr. Renganathan, a Health Officer in the Department of Rural Health and Sanitation at Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI), Dindigul, has become the target of intense political and media attacks. These attacks, reportedly orchestrated by local DMK politicians and Dravidianist media, come in response to his efforts to expose institutional irregularities and push for reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Alleged Irregularities Flagged By Dr. Renganathan
Dr. Renganathan raised concerns about financial mismanagement in executing a sanitation contract at Gandhigram Rural Institute. According to his observations, Mr. Joseph Christopher, a temporary Health Inspector in the Department of Rural Health and Sanitation, was responsible for supervising contract sanitation workers, procuring materials, calculating overtime, and managing recruitment. However, Dr Renganathan alleged that lapses in oversight led to resource wastage and misappropriation of funds, with kickbacks allegedly funnelled to ruling party politicians.
He had also demanded the introduction of biometric attendance systems to promote transparency, the establishment of a permanent surveillance system to monitor the execution of contracts, the appointment of independent auditors to review sanitation and other critical services at the college and the conducting of an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Escalation And Political Targeting
The situation intensified after Dr Renganathan reported these concerns to higher authorities. In retaliation, Mr Joseph Christopher allegedly orchestrated a gherao on 12 November 2024 at the department premises. Shortly after, on November 18, Christopher reportedly organized a larger demonstration on campus involving students from the Sanitary Inspector program and external political groups, including DMK and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).
This effort coincided with a media campaign accusing Dr Renganathan of promoting the NEP, Sanskrit, yoga, multilingualism, and “Hindu nationalist” ideologies in a bid to deflect from the original issue of alleged irregularities in the Gandhigram Rural Institute.
The Role Of Dravidianist Media
Prominent Dravidianist media outlets such as Sun News, Kalaignar News, and Nakkheeran launched a smear campaign against Dr. Renganathan. Their reports alleged he was promoting casteism, discriminatory practices, and the NEP—charges he vehemently denies.
For instance, he had tasked students with analyzing socio-political issues like alcohol prohibition, caste politics, the two-language policy, and the role of TASMAC in Tamil Nadu’s alcohol economy. His criticism of TASMAC’s ₹50,000 crore revenue target and his use of speeches by public figures, including Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, became a plank for them to politically target him.
In a particularly egregious example, Nakkheeran accused Dr. Renganathan of making inappropriate remarks during classes on human reproductive biology—allegations he categorically refuted as baseless. According to Dr. Renganathan, these accusations stemmed from a deliberate misrepresentation of his academic discussions on family planning and human reproductive biology, to malign his reputation.
Political Intrusions And Threats
In what seems like an attempt to put pressure on the institution and the faculty, local DMK politicians, staged protests and demanded Dr. Renganathan’s suspension. On one occasion, a DMK delegation, accompanied by party-affiliated student wing members, visited the campus to pressure administrators. The DMK delegation was granted access to the campus, where they met with senior administration officials, including the Registrar. They complained that he was speaking in favour of Sanatana Dharma (Hindu thoughts) and acting favourable to BJP-RSS while dissing Dravidian Model among students.
Adding to the pressure, the delegation held a press conference on campus, presenting a one-sided narrative accusing him of discriminatory behavior. This external interference deepened the institutional crisis, with the administration caught between political pressure and mounting media scrutiny.
Dr. Renganathan reported threats to his life, allegedly from individuals linked to the political network behind the smear campaign. He has since filed multiple complaints with GRI authorities, requesting increased security and a thorough investigation.
While several faculty members rallied behind Dr. Renganathan, advocating for transparency and academic freedom, others expressed fear of political retaliation. The intimidation tactics, including labeling him a “Sanghi” (a term used in Tamil Nadu to derogatorily imply BJP alignment), underscored the political undertones of the campaign against him.
Dr. Renganathan does command respect and shares a good rapport among his students. A Muslim girl student had shared how Dr. Renganathan’s classes and life lessons on home budgeting, time management, Tamil literature, election manifesto analysis, had broadened her understanding. In fact, she had shared that Dr. Renganathan encouraged Tamil medium students to express their thoughts and write in Tamil.
Growing Political Pressure
As noted above, the DMK had already mobilized and turned up at the institute to put political pressure to take action against Dr. Renganathan. Interestingly, even the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) seemed to express disdain over Dr Renganathan’s actions. The Dindigul district party authorities published a poster where they called him a “Sanghi”.
Renganathan’s Alleged Crime
Dr Renganathan has rigorously implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 core principles at GRI. He encouraged students to critically analyze sensitive societal issues, including caste dynamics, alcohol policies, and multilingualism. These intellectual explorations, designed to foster analytical thinking, were mischaracterized as political propaganda aligned with BJP ideology.
By framing his actions as politically motivated, his detractors aimed to stifle academic freedom, suppress critical thinking, and control institutional narratives. The coordinated efforts to discredit him reflect a broader trend of suppressing academic dissenting voices.
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In an embarrassing turn of events, Newsweek has published an article citing a parody account as a credible source. The article quoted a satirical tweet from the well-known parody account Parik Patel, mistakenly identifying the account holder as the father of Kash Patel, a former Trump official and rumored FBI Director nominee.
The satirical tweet in question claimed that President Joe Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden was motivated by fear of Kash Patel becoming FBI Director. Newsweek ran with the claim, headlining the fabricated statement as coming from “Dr. Parik Patel, father of FBI Director nominee Kash Patel.” The parody tweet humorously declared, “Biden made the decision to pardon Hunter because he was so worried about MY SON Kashu becoming director of the FBI that he decided to pardon his son… of all crimes.”
Joe Biden was so worried about MY SON Kashu becoming director of the FBI that he decided to pardon his son Hunter Biden of all of his crimes pic.twitter.com/N0pD7D48mn
— Dr. Parik Patel, BA, CFA, ACCA Esq. (@ParikPatelCFA) December 2, 2024
Their article text read, “A surprising voice to weigh in on the pardon is Dr Parik Patel, father of FBI director nominee Kash Patel. The elder Patel wrote on X that Biden made the decision to pardon Hunter because he was “so worried about MY SON Kashu becoming director of the FBI that he decided to pardon his son… of all crimes.”
This misstep by Newsweek is the latest in a string of credibility blunders. The outlet previously faced backlash for publishing an article labeling Tulsi Gabbard a “Hindu nationalist” for taking her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita—an article that was widely criticized as both inaccurate and inflammatory.
The parody account, Parik Patel, is a fixture on social media for its humorous takes on finance and politics, often exaggerating for comedic effect. It has no connection to Kash Patel. This should have been evident to Newsweek with even a cursory verification of the source, yet the outlet ran the claim uncritically. Social media users were quick to highlight the absurdity of the mistake.
Quoting parody accounts as credible sources is a glaring oversight, especially in an era where misinformation is rampant. For a respected news outlet, this lapse undermines its credibility and invites widespread ridicule.
Perhaps it’s time for Newsweek to reconsider its editorial processes—before it quotes another parody account as gospel truth.
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On 2 December 2024, the Isha Foundation filed a defamation lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran and its editor, Gopal. The foundation is seeking the removal of allegedly defamatory videos and reports and has claimed damages amounting to ₹3 crore.
The lawsuit also names Google LLC as a defendant, citing that the content appears on Google search results and YouTube, a company-owned platform. According to the Isha Foundation, the videos published by Nakkheeran contain accusations of misconduct, including exploitation, coercion, and illegal activities.
The contested reports also allege that individuals at the foundation were being held against their will or forced into specific actions. The foundation has denied these allegations, pointing out that the claims persist despite a recent Supreme Court ruling dismissing a related habeas corpus petition.
In October 2023, the Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by a father alleging that his two daughters had been brainwashed and detained at the Isha Yoga Center. The court, after directly speaking to the women, ruled that they were adults who had willingly chosen to reside at the center. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated, “Both of them said they are living there of their own free will,” closing the habeas corpus case while clarifying that the decision would not hinder any legitimate police investigations.
Isha Foundation argues that, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Nakkheeran continued to publish critical reports, which the foundation claims are defamatory and intended to harm its reputation. The organisation maintains that the allegations are baseless and malicious.
The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Subramonium Prasad, has issued notices to Nakkheeran, its editor, and Google, setting the next hearing for April 2025. At this stage, Isha Foundation has opted not to request an interim injunction against the content.
The Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA) has filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court seeking a three-day ban on movie reviews across social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X, starting from a film’s release. Filed through counsel Vijayan Subramanian, the petition also seeks directions from the Central and State governments to frame guidelines for online film critics. The case is scheduled to be heard by Justice S. Sounthar.
The move follows escalating concerns within the Tamil film industry regarding the impact of immediate and harsh online reviews on box office performance. According to the Tamil Nadu Producers Council (TNPC), films like Indian 2, Vettaiyan, and Suriya’s Kanguva have suffered significant losses due to negative reviews and personal attacks shared on YouTube and other platforms shortly after release. Kanguva, in particular, failed to impact the box office, which industry insiders attribute partly to unfavorable online reviews.
நம்மைச் சுற்றி நடக்கும் அநீதிகளை, அத்துமீறல்களை, மோசடிகளை கண்டும் காணாமல் கடப்பதை பார்க்கும் நாம் மூன்று மணி நேர திரைப்படத்தை பொழுதுபோக்கு அம்சமாக மட்டுமே பார்க்காமல், அது ஏதோ மொத்த சமுதாயத்திற்கும் அநீதி விளைவித்தது போல பலர் பேசி வருவது அநீதியான செயல்: தமிழ்… pic.twitter.com/BGtmsrg7h5
The TFAPA and TNPC claim that such reviews often include personal malice and incitement of hatred disguised as criticism, severely affecting the reputation of actors, directors, and producers. The TNPC also issued a four-page statement condemning this practice and requesting theatre owners to ban YouTube channels from recording public opinions and reviews inside theatre premises. In response, some theatres have already restricted access to YouTubers during screenings.
The TNPC emphasized that critics have the right to express their opinions but called for responsible reviewing that avoids personal attacks or sowing hatred against films. The association urged all stakeholders in the film industry to take unified action to discourage such practices.
The current petition follows a similar precedent in Kerala, where a seven-day ban on YouTube reviews was implemented in 2023. The decision came after Mubeen Rauf, the director of Aromalinte Adyathe Pranayam, alleged that negative public opinion videos adversely affected his film’s business.
The Tamil film industry has been grappling with back-to-back underperforming big-budget films, including those featuring major stars like Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Suriya. Producers claim that immediate online reviews, particularly first-day-first-show (FDFS) reactions, discourage audiences from watching movies, leading to financial losses.
Wikipedia page on the Sambhal violence has once again highlighted the platform’s susceptibility to biased narratives. The page attempts to frame the incident as being triggered by “Jai Shri Ram” chants, citing sources that rely heavily on allegations without verifying the ground realities.
One such reference cited on the Wikipedia page comes from a Telegraph article that claims people accompanying the court-appointed survey commission chanted “Jai Shri Ram” at the disputed structure site, provoking communal violence. The article reads,“Some people accompanying the court-appointed survey commission to the Jama Masjid in Sambhal on Sunday had set up a triumphal chant of “Jai Shri Ram” to irritate Muslims, in the presence of senior police and district officials, multiple Opposition MPs in Uttar Pradesh have alleged.”
Without providing independent evidence, the Wikipedia article attributes this information on Sambhal violence to allegations by opposition MPs, such as Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq. This narrative suggests that the chants incited local protests, leading to police action and subsequent violence.
However, video evidence and reports from the ground tell a different story. Footage of advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, and administrative officials conducting the court-ordered survey shows no signs of communal sloganeering or inflammatory behavior.
Wikipedia wants to burn down India! Contrary to their claim that slogans of Jai Shri Ram led to violence in Sambhal, the video footage of advocate Vishnu Jain and administration officials, entering the disputed site, for survey, on Court orders, shows no sloganeering, communally… pic.twitter.com/w5IQYxoYIB
Wikipedia’s page fails to provide a balanced perspective. Ziaur Rahman Barq, who alleged police provocation, is himself among those charged with inciting violence. His political affiliations and potential vested interests are conspicuously ignored.
Following the violence, 25 individuals were taken into custody, and seven FIRs were registered against 2,500 people. The inclusion of stringent charges under the National Security Act (NSA) indicates that authorities view this as premeditated violence, not spontaneous provocation.
While opposition leaders blame the police, no evidence substantiates claims of excessive force without cause. Instead, reports suggest law enforcement acted to maintain order during a volatile situation.
Wikipedia Edits
The page erroneously refers to Hari Shankar Jain as the advocate involved when it is his son Vishnu Shankar Jain who is representing the Hindu side.
The page also calls Hari Shankar Jain, a pro-Hindutva lawyer. Attempts to edit these out are met with failure. Here are a few screenshots from the edit history that prove these statements were challenged, only to be ignored/rejected and reverted to the narrative-peddling version on the latest update.
By selectively citing allegations while ignoring contradictory evidence, Wikipedia perpetuates a misleading narrative. Its reliance on politically charged sources like The Telegraph to frame an incident as religiously motivated demonstrates a clear bias.
Wikipedia’s role as a supposedly neutral platform demands greater accountability. Misinformation disguised as “facts” not only misguides readers but also risks further polarization.
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Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss accused the DMK government of releasing water from the Sathanur Dam into the Thenpennai River without proper warning to residents along its banks, which he claims contributed to the widespread devastation.
Ramadoss also strongly criticized the ruling DMK government, urging them to focus on providing disaster relief and ensuring timely release of funds, rather than engaging in political theatrics during such a critical time.
PMK chief Ramadoss made these remarks after visiting the flood-hit areas of Marakkanam on 2 December 2024. He stated that the sudden release of 1.70 lakh cusecs of water left people unprepared and affected nearly 90% of Cuddalore district. He also pointed out that this action contradicted a previous promise by Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had criticized the AIADMK government in 2015 for releasing water from the Chembarambakkam Lake without notice, pledging that the DMK would not repeat such mistakes.
Anbumani Ramadoss criticized Chief Minister MK Stalin’s government, accusing him of boasting about his own efforts while blaming the previous ADMK regime. He remarked,“Yesterday, the Chief Minister tweeted, what of tweet was it? he tweeted about how many people died during the previous ADMK regime because the Chembarambakkam lake was opened at night while people were sleeping. But he tweeted that our regime is not like that. However, today, at around 2 a.m., 1.70 lakh cusecs of water per second from Sathanur Lake, no one knows this news. As a result, 90% of the houses along the banks of Cuddalore district, especially in the city, are submerged. People have lost their belongings, and the extent of the loss of life is still unknown. The Thenpennai River bed and its banks are flooded, causing significant damage because the public was unaware of this, but he blames the ADMK. Both are to blame. The public needs to be informed about this. I don’t want to do politics in this. This is not the time to boast that we are doing this much. This is the time to help the people.”
கடலூர் மக்கள் தூங்கிக்கொண்டு இருந்த போது இரவு 2 மணிக்கு எந்தவித எச்சரிக்கையும் செய்யாமல் தமிழக அரசு சாத்தனூர் அணையில் இருந்து 170000 கஅடி நீர் திறந்துவிடபட்டது தான் இவ்வளவு பெரிய இழப்புக்கு காரணம் . – @draramadoss#cuddalorefloodpic.twitter.com/PU7LGKuSyI
Further, Anbumani criticized the government’s flood mitigation efforts, arguing that they have been primarily focused on Chennai, while other regions remain neglected. He emphasized that the government should not rely solely on central funds for disaster relief, advocating for a dedicated budget allocation for such emergencies, given that floods are an annual occurrence. He also stressed the need for more accurate weather forecasts, highlighting that the unexpected heavy rainfall in Villupuram, which recorded 50 cm, caught authorities off guard.
Anbumani highlighted the exceptional rainfall in Uthangarai, Krishnagiri district, where 50 cm fell within 24 hours, marking the highest recorded in 300 years. He explained that this extreme weather has severely affected hundreds of villages and inundated thousands of homes, causing immense distress to the people.
While acknowledging the historical nature of the rainfall, Anbumani attributed the severity of the floods to the government’s failure to properly desilt water bodies and waterways. He questioned the whereabouts of funds allocated for desilting, noting that the government has yet to announce any relief for the affected populations. He also cited the tragic landslide in Tiruvannamalai, where seven people were trapped, and rescue teams could not reach them even after 18 hours, as an example of the challenges faced in the current crisis.
The PMK leader called for an immediate increase in rescue and relief efforts, urging the government to mobilize more personnel to assist in the response. He cited rainfall data from various regions, such as 33 cm in Harur, Dharmapuri district, and 32 cm in Tirupalapanthal, Kallakurichi, underscoring the urgent need for swift intervention to prevent further loss of life.
Anbumani also drew attention to the destruction in Krishnagiri, where vehicles were swept away by the floods, and road access was completely cut off along the Tirupattur-Tiruvannamalai stretch. He further pointed to severe flooding along the Sarabanga River in Salem and the Thenpennai River, which runs from Krishnagiri to Cuddalore, and demanded that the government take immediate steps to restore normalcy in these affected areas.
In an incident reminiscent of the 2015 Chembarambakkam Lake flooding, the sudden release of 1.68 lakh cubic feet of water per second from Sathanur Dam in Tiruvannamalai district early Sunday has led to significant distress for residents in four districts. The release, which occurred at 2:45 AM, followed a rapid increase in inflow due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the Thenpennaiyar catchment area caused by Cyclone Fengal.
According to the Water Resources Department (WRD), water inflow to the dam rose sharply over a few hours. The inflow, measured at 5,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) at 6 AM on 1 December 2024, surged to 1 lakh cusecs by 12:45 AM on 2 December 2024 and further escalated to 1.68 lakh cusecs by 2:45 AM. As the dam’s water level approached its full capacity of 119 feet, officials discharged the incoming water to ensure its structural safety.
The release of water caused widespread flooding along the Thenpennai River, impacting Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, and Cuddalore districts. Homes, agricultural lands, and infrastructure were inundated, livestock perished, and vehicles were swept away. Traffic was severely disrupted on key routes, including the Chennai-Trichy National Highway. Floodwaters overflowed parts of the highway at Arasur, cutting off road connectivity to southern districts.
The WRD stated that flood warnings were issuedin stages on 1 December 2024. A first warning was released around 9 AM, followed by subsequent updates at 10:00 AM and 12:00 noon. A later notification at 7:00 PM announced that 30,000 cusecs of water would be released. However, the actual release far exceeded the estimate, with 1 lakh cusecs discharged by 12:45 am and 1.68 lakh cusecs by 2:45 AM.
The WRD informed the media of the situation at 4:15 AM, but many residents were caught offguard as the rapid escalation occurred during the night. Owing to insufficient awareness and limited media outreach, affected residents could likely have been unprepared.
Officials from the WRD defended their actions, citing the need to protect the Sathanur Dam and manage increased inflows from other water sources, including Krishnagiri, Vaniyar, and Pambar dams. The department emphasized that the water release was necessary to prevent a potential dam breach.
Residents in affected districts expressed frustration over the lack of timely communication and preparedness. Many reported losing belongings and facing challenges evacuating in the middle of the night. Relief efforts are underway, with authorities working to restore road connectivity and assess the damage.
The local panchayat’s encroachment on Ganapati temple land in Vadakara Orchateri has triggered widespread protests among devotees. The panchayat, led by the Muslim League with the support of the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP), is accused of adding the temple land to its asset register under dubious circumstances. Devotees allege this move aims to reclassify the land as government property to facilitate the construction of a public toilet.
In 2023, the panchayat first attempted to take over the temple land, which the devotees thwarted. Subsequently, the land was reportedly acquired using forged documents, allegedly with the connivance of the then temple management committee. Despite claiming ownership, the panchayat has failed to produce legal documents supporting its claims.
Documents obtained from the Kozhikode archives later confirmed the Vadakara land belonged to the Orkattery Ganapati temple. Despite this evidence and ongoing court proceedings, the panchayat continues its efforts to construct a toilet on the temple premises, even though alternative locations are available.
Similar Case In Cherpulassery, Palakkad
A similar controversy unfolded at the Sree Ayyappan Kavu Temple in Cherpulassery, Palakkad. Under the Kerala government’s “100-Day Karma Program,” the Cherpulassery Municipality constructed a building with public toilets on temple property. This led to a petition filed by Hindu Aikya Vedi President P.N. Sreeraman, resulting in the Kerala High Court intervening.
In January 2024, the High Court deemed such constructions legally impermissible, emphasizing that temple lands controlled by the Malabar Devaswom Board cannot be used for public facilities intended for non-devotees. The court highlighted that prominently displaying the municipality’s name on the structure further violated regulations.
The court criticized the trustees of Cherpulassery Sree Ayyappan Kavu for failing to safeguard the temple’s interests and properties. It directed the Malabar Devaswom Board to exercise strict supervisory control and prevent any misuse of temple land. Referring to the construction under the “Suchithwamithra Toilet Construction Project,” the court underscored that acts of negligence akin to “fence eating the crops” must be addressed firmly.
The municipality was ordered to halt the operation of the toilet block. The court also instructed the Devaswom Board to decide on the reimbursement of construction costs incurred by the municipality within two months.
The Cherpulassery region, often referred to as the “Sabarimala of Malabar,” has seen significant demographic changes and rising criminal activities. Devotees have raised concerns about the area becoming a hub for crimes like extortion, smuggling, and drug peddling. The arrest of notorious criminal Charal Faisal under the Kerala Anti-social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) further highlights these issues.
The developments in Vadakara Orchateri echo the concerns raised in Cherpulassery. Devotees at both locations remain resolute in protecting temple lands, emphasizing that religious sanctity cannot be compromised for public infrastructure projects. The Kerala High Court’s rulings have provided a precedent, reinforcing the legal and moral responsibility to safeguard temple properties.
As the panchayat and devotees in Vadakara prepare for further legal battles, the larger question of respecting religious institutions while addressing public needs remains a contentious issue in Kerala.
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