News Tamil Nadu

“Non-Hindus Will Not Be Allowed Entry Into Palani Murugan Temple”, Rules Madurai Bench Of Madras High Court

January 30, 2024
The Commune

In a landmark ruling, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered today that non-Hindus should not be allowed into Palani Murugan Temple. The judgement mentions that non-Hindus and those without Hindu beliefs should not be allowed beyond the ‘kodimaram‘ of the temple. It also says that placards notifying this should be placed visibly at multiple places in the temple.

Regarding the judgement, temple activist TR Ramesh shared a post on his X handle, he wrote, ‘ The @tnhrcedept in violation of the Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947 and the Rules framed thereunder wanted to allow Non-Hindus in the temple without any restrictions – leading to Agama violations and increased security risks. I impleaded in the main Writ Petition which challenged the TN Govt’s HR&CE Department’s illegal and anti-Hindu decision.’

He also wrote, ‘Today Hon’ble Single Judge who heard the matters was pleased to allow the Writ Petition against the @tnhrcedept orders. Hon’ble Judge was pleased to direct that a Board be kept that Non-Hindus will not be permitted beyond ‘Kodi Maram’ (Dwajasthamba – Holy Flagpost of the temple). Direction issued that Non-Hindus not be permitted beyond ‘Kodi Maram’. If any Non-Hindu wants to visit, declaration that he/she believes in the Deity and will follow the customs and traditions of the temple. Such register of clear undertaking to be maintained. The Hon’ble Judge was pleased to make an Intervener in the Writ Petition.‘

He also added, “Earlier the position of Executive Officer in this temple was declared illegal by Learned Single Judge of Madras High Court. Appeal against this order and seeking to set aside the order was not allowed by Hon’ble Division Bench. Govt and Commissioner of @tnhrcedept lost their appeals. Yet the illegal Executive Officer shameless continues in the temple in Contempt of the orders of the Courts. I will soon move for the removal of the abject and illegal presence of Executive Officer and the @tnhrcedept from this ancient temple.”

In July 2023, it was reported that the petitioner, D. Senthilkumar, sought a direction to the temple authorities to install a board stating that non-Hindus are not allowed on the temple premises, which was removed earlier due to renovation work. The petitioner said that recently, a few non-Hindus wanted to use the winch car to reach the hilltop. When they were told that they were not allowed, they argued with the temple authorities and the members of Hindu outfits who supported them. Justice S. Srimathy passed an interim order of status quo ante, meaning restoring the situation as it existed before, and adjourned the hearing in the case.

In Aug 2023, the Additional Advocate General during the proceedings representing the State Government, asserted that in accordance with the Constitution of India, particularly under Articles 13 and 15, and specifically under clause 15(1), the rights of individuals are safeguarded. In response, Senthilkumar countered this argument, contending that Article 15(2) of the Constitution excludes temples and prohibits their use as picnic spots.

The banner controversy started in June 2023 when the HR&CE department put up a banner saying that “only Hindus are allowed” inside the Palani temple, but removed it in a few hours for reasons unknown. The banner was put up after some Muslims tried to enter the temple as tourists. Hindu activists protested against the removal of the notice. A Muslim fruit seller named Sahul argued with the temple employees that the temple was a tourist place and that he and his relatives wearing burqas should be allowed to enter. He also questioned why there were no banners prohibiting non-Hindus. Hindu outfits supported the temple employees and condemned the HR&CE for failing to put up banners saying that non-Hindus were not allowed. They also accused the HR&CE of being pressured from some quarters to remove the banners. Some Dravidianists and Islamists opposed the banners and claimed that they were illegal and against the Madras High Court ruling that anyone who believes in the deity can enter temples. A Muslim party announced that it will invite Hindus to masjids and plan an event #Welcome_Our_Masjid.

In a clever play on words, Sun TV’s social media handle reported the news update that non-Hindus can enter the temple after giving the affidavit of their faith.

As usual, the news did not go well with the Dravidianists and ‘minorities’. They started a barrage of abuse against Hindus, RSS, BJP and the Hon’ble Judge on social media. A few samples of the abuses are compiled here.

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