Gods or idols do not harm human beings

Madras High Court clearly defines the boundary between superstition and faith

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – If an individual installs idols within his own premises and peacefully performs worship after inviting friends and neighbours, the government has no right to interfere. Government officials must not surrender to superstition and baseless beliefs. Gods or idols do not cause harm to humans. Such notions are superstitions and cannot be treated as matters of faith, the Madras High Court ruled in a case.

What is the case ?

Karthik, a resident of Bhajan Kovil Street in Nettukuppam area of Ennore district, Tamil Nadu, had installed idols of Shivshakti Shri Daksheshwari, Shri Vinayak, and Shri Veerabhadra Swami in his home and was regularly performing worship. Some local residents also participated in these prayers.

After the installation of the idols and the commencement of worship, a few people in the area died under suspicious circumstances. Rumours began circulating that “the deaths were occurring because of the installation of idols and the worship being performed.” Following complaints from local residents, authorities seized the idols. Challenging this action, a petition was filed in the Madras High Court.

During the hearing in April 2025, the court ordered that the idols be returned to the petitioner. The court also directed that loudspeakers should not be used in a manner that causes disturbance to the public and that no donations should be collected.

Allegation of non-compliance with the court order!

Despite this order, the idols were not returned, following which Karthik filed a contempt petition alleging violation of the court’s directive. (It may be noted that during the tenure of the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu, even court orders are allegedly being ignored by the administration and police – Editor)

While hearing the contempt petition, Justice Bharath Chakravarthy directed the petitioner to personally collect the idols from the Tiruvottiyur Taluka Office. The court also instructed authorities to take appropriate legal action if an unauthorized temple structure had been erected at the petitioner’s residence. Additionally, directions were given to act against any donation boxes found at the premises.