Kerala High Court directs police to ensure no mass drill or weapons training is conducted on temple premises

The Kerala High Court recently directed police authorities to ensure that no one is permitted to conduct mass drills or weapons training on the premises of the Sree Sarakara Devi Temple at Chirayinkeezhu in Kerala [G Vyasan & Anr. v State of Kerala & Ors.]..A division bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar issued the direction on a plea filed by two devotees alleging that some men claiming to be members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were conducting mass drills and weaponry training by illegally encroaching on temple premises.The bench also directed the administrative officer of the temple, and the Devaswom Commissioner, Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure that temple premises are not used for such activities. "No mass drill or weaponry practices shall be permitted in the premises of the said temple, which is under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The 5th respondent Station House Officer, Chirayinkeezhu Police Station shall render necessary assistance to the 4th respondent Administrative Officer to ensure strict compliance of the prohibition contained in Exts.P1 and P4 circulars (preventing unauthorised activities on temple premises)," the judgment stated..The plea alleged that the actions of the men were causing agony and difficulties to the pilgrims and devotees visiting the temple, especially women and children.The plea pointed out that these men had been conducting drills and training from 5 PM to 12 AM on all days, despite the circulars issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the administrative officer of the temple prohibiting the use the temple premises for the unauthorized act."The 6th and 7th respondents (2 RSS members) along with their henchmen shout loud slogans as a part of their mass drill /weaponry training, thus disrupting the peaceful and serene atmosphere required to be maintained at a temple. Petitioners hence begs to submit that due to the above actions of the 6th and 7th respondents and their henchmen, ardent devotees belonging to senior citizens, women and children category find it much difficult to visit temple during aforementioned hours due to loss of peace of mind, causing mental stress, agony and loss of calm atmosphere required to be maintained during meditation and offering prayers at `Sree Sarkara Devi Temple," the plea stated.It was submitted that the RSS members use tobacco products like ‘Hans’, and ‘Pan Masala’ within the temple premises affecting the cleanliness and divinity of the temple.“The unpleasant smell emanating from the usage of the above products by the 6th and 7th respondents along with their henchmen is causing great discomfort to the devotees visiting the temple, especially senior citizens, women, and children,” the plea said.The plea also contended that the RSS members disrupt the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the temple by shouting loud slogans as a part of their mass drill/weaponry training.“Right to worship is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” the plea said.The petitioners further contended that even though they complained to the administrator of the temple, no action was taken..The High Court took a serious view of the matter and directed the Travancore Devaswom Authoritites to ensure that no weapons training or mass drills are conducted in the premises of the temple. .The petition was filed through advocate Nikhil Sankar..[Read Judgment]