Restore the notice of entry stating that non-Hindus are not allowed in the Palani Murugan Temple

Madras Supreme Court orders

New Delhi – The Madras High Court has ordered a status quo ante in the Arulmighu Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple by directing the respondent authorities to restore the display board stating that non-Hindus are not allowed in the temple. (Appreciable decision by the Supreme Court to preserve the purity of the temple. – Editor) Justice S Srimathy of the Madurai Bench made the direction in a plea by D Senthilkumar, organiser of Palani Hill Temple Devotees Organisation. The Bench was hearing a petition filed on 27th July by D Senthilkumar, organiser of Palani Hill Temple Devotees Organisation, in which he had said that non-Hindus had purchased tickets at the winch station to go to the Palani hilltop, the temple’s premises. When they were not allowed to the temple, had argued saying that the hilltop was a tourist place and could be visited by outsiders.

Senthilkumar’s complaint was based on an incident that took place on 22nd June this year. Senthilkumar also contended that under Article 15(2) of the Constitution, temples cannot be used as picnic spots. The organisation then urged the State Government’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR & CE) department’s joint director in charge of the Palani shrine to reinstate the notice board — removed during renovation work for the temple’s consecration — restricting entry of non-Hindus. Senthilkumar, in the petition, had stated that a banner restricting the entry of non-Hindus to the temple used to be put up there.