Kerala HC Curbs Weapon Training, Mass Drills in Temples

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court directed the Devaswom Commissioner and Administrative Officer to prevent any activities related to mass drills and weapons training within the Sree Sarakara Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Kerala High Court gave this order in response to a petition against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) conducting training sessions at the temple.

In May, the Travancore Devaswom Board issued a circular to all temples under its jurisdiction, prohibiting the RSS from organizing mass drills and other activities within temple premises.

The Division Bench of Kerala High Court comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar unequivocally ruled that any activities unrelated to temple worship were deemed illegal. In particular, mass drills and weapons training were strictly prohibited within temple premises, and the temple’s administrative officer was tasked with ensuring that this order was rigorously enforced.

The court firmly stated that politics had no place in temple rituals and faith.

The petitioners alleged that mass drills and weapon training sessions at the temple were a hindrance for pilgrims, especially women and children. Despite the Travancore Devaswom Board’s directive against it, these activities continued on the temple premises.