Kerala High Court Rules Against District Administration and Police on Temple Festival Decorations
The Kerala High Court has ruled in favor of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in a case challenging the district administration and police orders regarding the use of saffron-colored decorations for the Kaliyoottu festival at Major Vellayani Bhadrakali Devi Temple. The court stated that it is the responsibility of the devaswom board to conduct the festival in accordance with custom, rituals, and practices, and that neither the police nor the district administration can dictate the use of politically-neutral colors for decorations.
The court made it clear that politics should not be involved in the conduct of daily worship, ceremonies, and festivals in temples, and that devotees have no legal right to demand specific colors for decorations. The court also directed the TDB to notify the police in case of any potential law and order issues during the festival, but emphasized that the police and district magistrate should not interfere with the devaswom board’s power to conduct the festival according to temple customs.
Furthermore, the court instructed the authorities to ensure that temporary festival structures do not encroach on public roads or disrupt the right of way for vehicles or pedestrians. This ruling clarifies the importance of respecting traditional practices and customs in temple festivals while also maintaining public safety and order.
