Temples in the state must not host political events !

Kerala High Court issues directives to 3 Devaswom Boards !

Kochi (Kerala) – The Kerala High Court has clarified that under the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, no temple or its administrators may use, or allow the use of, temple premises for the promotion or propaganda of political activities. The law also prohibits the use of temple funds for the benefit of any political party. The court made this clear while hearing a petition filed by N. Prakash, a resident of Ernakulam, and issued directions to the Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar Devaswom Boards.

⚖️ Kerala HC to Devaswom Boards:
“Temples are for devotion, not politics!”

🚫 Political programs banned inside temples.

Petition cited shocking cases – political songs, plays & slogans inside temple premises.

❓But why should the Court even have to say this?
Devaswom Boards… pic.twitter.com/VyQXGaqluv

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) August 24, 2025

1. The petition claimed that temple premises such as the Thali Temple in Kozhikode, the Sri Indilayappan Temple in Attingal, and the Sri Kadakkal Devi Temple in Kollam were being misused to promote political activities. Such actions are inappropriate and hurt the sentiments of devotees.

2. The Malabar Devaswom Board had submitted before the court that beyond traditional rituals and religious practices, it would not be practical for the Board to regulate or approve other types of programs or events held within temple premises.

3. After hearing both sides, the court directed all 3 Devaswom Boards to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the law in all temples under their jurisdiction or supervision. It further instructed that any violation brought to their notice must immediately be reported to the authorities empowered to enforce the law, so that appropriate legal action can be taken. To guarantee strict adherence, the court also ordered the Boards to circulate fresh directives to all religious institutions under their control.

Editorial Perspective

Why should the court have to issue such an order in the first place ? Why don’t the Devaswom Boards understand this ? This is exactly the kind of situation that arises when temples are brought under state control. It is therefore imperative to free temples from government interference and return them to the devotees !