Christian priests' entry row: Kerala High Court calls for review of temple rule

The Kerala High Court has urged the state government to review rules that bar non-Hindus from entering temples, observing that laws should promote social harmony rather than create divisions among communities.

The court made the observation while dismissing a writ petition filed by a teacher seeking action against authorities of the Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Adoor, Pathanamthitta district, for permitting two Christian priests to enter the temple during Sreekrishna Jayanthi celebrations in 2023.

In its counter affidavit, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) stated that the priests were invited guests and their entry did not violate temple rituals. The temple authorities had obtained permission from the Thantri (chief priest), following which the Sub Group Officer did not object to their entry.

The High Court noted that the priests’ visit was a “permissive entry” authorised by the Thantri and therefore did not warrant action.

The bench further observed that while the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act, 1965 does not prohibit entry of non-Hindus into places of worship, Rule 3(a) framed under it bars such entry. The court said statutes and rules should not become instruments for fostering discord among religions, castes or communities.

While dismissing the petition, the court left it to the state government to decide whether Rule 3(a) should be retained in its current form or amended after consultations with the Devaswom Board, Thantris, religious scholars and other stakeholders.

- Ends

Tune In