The entry of non-Hindus into Hindu temples can be permitted if sanctioned by temple authorities, emphasizing the role of customs and the authority of the Thanthri while upholding the statutory provisions.

JUDGMENT :

K. V. Jayakumar, J.

“Matru Devo Bhava

Pitru Devo Bhava,

Acharya Devo Bhava,

Atithi Devo Bhava.”

‘These injunctions are given by a teacher to students at the completion of their Vedic education and comes specifically from the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, which is a part of the Taittirīya Āraṇyaka of the Krishna Yajurveda.

The above verse signifies that mother, father, teacher, and guest are equivalent to God and are to be treated with respect and honour.’

1. This Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, by the petitioner, Sri. Sanil Narayanan Nampoothiri, who is a teacher by profession. The petitioner states that he is a devotee of Adoor Sree Parthasarathy Temple, which is under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

2. The petitioner states that on 07.09.2023, two Christian priests, Dr. Zacharias Mar Aprem and another priest, were invited to the temple to attend a function in connection with the Sreekrishna Jayanthi celebration.They attended the public meeting held inside the temple compound. The petitioner further states that, after the public meeting, the Sub Group Officer and the members of the Temple Advisory Committee took the said Christian priests inside the temple, and certain gifts were presented at a function conducted in front of the Sreekovil. The devotees present in the temple objected to the said act, pointing out that Christian priests are not permitted to enter the temple, particularly while wearing their priestly robes.

3. The petitioner states that non-Hindus are not permitted to enter Hindu temples. The petitioner further asserts that the temple authorities, including the Temple Advisory Committee, have ignored the protest of the devotees and permitted the entry of two priests in their priestly robes, violating the provisions of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act, 1965 (‘the Act’ for the sake of brevity) and the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965 (‘the Rules’ for the sake of brevity). In order to substantiate the contention, the petitioner has produced a copy of the news item published in Malayala Manorama Daily on 08.09.2023.

4. On 29.09.2023, the petitioner issued Ext. P2 lawyer notice to the Sub Group Officer, Kottarakkara Group, requesting him to take strict action against the officers responsible and to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. It is in the above backdrop, the petitioner approached this Court seeking the following reliefs:

“a. Issue a writ of mandamus or such other writ or order or direction, directing the 2nd respondent and 3rd respondent to take appropriate action against respondents 5 to 19 for violating the provisions of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act 1965 and Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules 1965 by permitting the entry of two Christian priests inside of nalambalam of Sree Parthasarathi Temple, Adoor on 7.9.2023.

b. To declare that the entry of two priests inside the nalambalam of Sree Parthasarathi temple on 7.9.2023 wearing full robes is in violation of the provisions of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act 1965 and Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules 1965 and that respondents have no authority whatsoever to permit the entry of non Hindus and persons who are violating the provisions of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act