Kerala High Court objects to security personnel wearing 'bouncer' labelled T-shirts in temple

The Kerala High Court recently directed the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) to refrain from deploying security personnel wearing inappropriate attire like T-shirts with 'bouncer' tag in and around temple premises [N Prakash v The Cochin Devaswom Board & ors].

A Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar passed the direction on December 3 after a plea was moved against recent engagement of such personnel at the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple in Thrippunithura.

The Court noted that the petitioner, N Prakash, had produced video clips showing men wearing 'bouncer' labelled T-shirts, managing the crowd inside the temple during the festival that was held from November 22 to November 25.

The petitioner argued that security personnel wearing inappropriate attire inside the temple premises lowered the sanctity and decorum of the temple and added that he was aggrieved by the manner in which the security management was executed by the temple board.

He stated that the board should uphold the dignity and cultural ethos of the temple in all festivals arrangements and other occasions, particularly while managing the crowds of devotees visiting the temple.

The standing counsel for the board clarified that the Temple Advisory Committee had resigned shortly before the festival, leaving the temple administration without adequate manpower.

Even though ex-servicemen had been engaged as security personnel earlier, they were unable to handle the unexpectedly large crowds during the festival and therefore, an external security agency was brought in.

However, the standing counsel agreed that the attire worn by some of the security personnel was unfortunate and assured the Court that the board would ensure such lapses would not recur in the future and that the temple decorum would be maintained at all times.

After hearing the submissions, the Court disposed of the petition while directing the board to exercise due care while making arrangements and avoid deploying security staff in unsuitable clothing, during festivals or inside temple premises.

"We record the submissions of the learned Standing Counsel and direct the respondents to exercise due caution hereafter and to refrain from engaging personnel wearing inappropriate attire, including T shirts bearing the word “bouncer”, for security during temple festivals or within temple precincts," the Court said in its order.

The petitioner N Prakash appeared in person.

Standing counsel KP Sudheer appeared for Cochin Devswom Board.

[Read Judgment]