In a recent development earlier on 22 January 2024, Tamil Nadu Police allegedly obstructed ten devotees attempting to perform Prathakshina/Parikrama at Srirangam as an offering to Shri Ram and the revered deity, Shri Ranganatha Swamy.
The devotees, who had prepared flags and pictures the night before, were reportedly halted by the police, sparking discontent among the Hindu community. Critics express disapproval over what they perceive as an interference with the devotees’ religious activities.
Shame on @tnpoliceoffl to do TEN(10) devotees who are trying to do Prathakshina/Parikrama at Srirangam as their offering to Shri Ram and his aaradhana Perumal Shri Ranganatha Swamy at Srirangam.
All they are doing is carry a flag and some pictures they made yesterday night… pic.twitter.com/rtFeF1jJvQ
— Rangarajan Narasimhan (@OurTemples) January 22, 2024
The incident came along the sidelines of the Tamil Nadu government trying to leave no stone unturned to prevent Hindus in the state from celebrating the Pran Prathishta ceremony at Ayodhya.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court was informed by the Tamil Nadu government that there is no ban in place on conducting screenings of the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishta ceremony or organizing special poojas and bhajans on this significant occasion. The Supreme Court duly acknowledged and recorded this statement made by the state government.
The DMK government submitted the clarification in the apex court after reports surfaced about ‘verbal diktats’ issued by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments department to now allow any special poojas and events at temples.
In many places, police had denied permission to conduct bhajans and events in private temples too. The court underlined the importance of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all religious and cultural practices. In addition, the Supreme Court stressed the need for transparency in the approval process. It instructed the state government to maintain a comprehensive record of all applications received for hosting events related to the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishta ceremony and the subsequent decisions taken.
#BREAKING Tamil Nadu Govt tells #SupremeCourt that there is no ban on holding screenings of #RamMandirPranPratishta ceremony or holdings special poojas or bhajans on the occasion. SC records the statement.
SC tells TN Govt that permission can't be rejected on the sole ground… https://t.co/RegvevLrA1
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) January 22, 2024
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