State can't act on superstition: Madras HC on seizure of Hindu idols linked by locals to unnatural deaths

State authorities cannot act based on superstition or unscientific public fears, the Madras High Court emphasised recently in a case where religious idols were removed by local authorities from a private residence in Chennai after nearby residents linked the worship of these idols to "unnatural deaths" in the area [A Karthik Vs District Collector]..Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy observed that peaceful private worship of idols cannot be disrupted by others, nor can the State give in to public superstitions against such acts. "If a person wants to keep any idol in his own premises and worship peacefully by himself or by inviting willing friends or neighbours, the public cannot take law into their own hands by the majority might. The State Authorities cannot give in to such superstitions and false beliefs. God or an idol will never harm any human being, and such beliefs are only superstitions and cannot be said to be in tune with the principles of ‘Bhakthi’ or ‘Science’," the Court said in its order passed last month. .State authorities cannot give in to superstitions and false beliefs. God or an idol will never harm any human beingMadras High Court.The case concerned the installation of idols of the Hindu goddess Sivasakthi Dhakshiswari, along with those of Hindu deities Vinayagar and Veerabhadran, inside a residential premises in north Chennai by one A Karthilk. While Karthik's worship of these idols was primarily private, neighbours and willing devotees were permitted to participate.Local authorities removed the idols after residents complained that a series of “unnatural deaths” in the locality were linked to the installation of the idols and the worship being conducted there.In an order dated April 3, 2025, the High Court rejected this justification outright, holding that the action of the authorities was “neither supported by law nor by any principle of ‘Bhakthi’ (religious devotion) or ‘Science’,” and that the Constitution obliges the State to inculcate scientific temper among the public.The Court, therefore, directed that the idols be returned to the petitioner, subject to conditions that their worship should not involve loudspeakers, noise pollution, disturbance to neighbours, or collection of money from the public..However, Karthik later filed a contempt of court petition alleging that the authorities had failed to return these idols to him..His counsel further told the Court that local residents were threatening violence and destruction of his property if the idols were reinstalled, necessitating police protection.The State contended that the petitioner had permission only to construct a residential house and had converted it into a temple without authorisation. It was also alleged that poojas were conducted at odd hours, including midnight, disturbing the locality..Justice Chakravarthy noted that the idols admittedly belonged to the petitioner. He, therefore, ordered the immediate restoration of the idols. The petitioner was told to visit the Tahsildar's office to collect the idols. Accordingly, the idols were handed over to the petitioner.The Court added that if there is any unauthorised construction on the petitioner's premises, as claimed by the authorities, the same could be dealt with independently in accordance with the law.The Court also reiterated that worship at the petitioner's private premises cannot be conducted in a manner that disturbs the public.At the same time, the Court warned against superstition-driven governance..The petitioner was represented by Advocate M Ganesh Babu..The State authorities were represented by Additional Government Pleader N Manoharan and Additional Public Prosecutor S Sugendran.A private respondent was represented by Advocate Shaikh Mehrunnisa..[Read Judgment].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.