The Kerala High Court has prohibited the installation of flex boards in temples featuring images of politicians, asserting that such practices distract worshippers and compromise the sanctity of sacred spaces. The Court criticized the Travancore Devaswom Board for misusing funds and directed it to report on similar installations elsewhere, reaffirming the importance of maintaining devotion-focused environments.
Kerala: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (Dec 10th) took a firm stance against the installation of flex boards in temples displaying photographs of politicians and Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) members. “Devotees visit the temples to see God and not the faces of the Chief Minister, MLAs, or board members,” remarked a Division Bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S.
The Court emphasized that such practices undermine the sanctity of temples, which are sacred spaces meant for faith and worship. It stated that flex boards featuring political images distract pilgrims from their spiritual focus.
The case, initiated suo motu based on a complaint by a devotee, revolved around a flex board at Thuravoor Mahakshetram in Alappuzha district. The board displayed photographs of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan, the TDB president, and a local MLA, congratulating the government and TDB for arranging ‘annadanam’ (free meals) during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season at Sabarimala.
The Court criticized the TDB, stating it should not act as the owner of the temples but remember its role as a trustee.
“The TDB is duty-bound to provide proper facilities for devotees and not misuse temple funds for unnecessary purposes like setting up flex boards,”
the bench observed.
Temple advisory committees also came under scrutiny, with the Court clarifying they lack the authority to engage in such activities. It stressed that installing flex boards violates the sanctity of temple premises and constitutes misuse of funds donated by devotees.
Seeking a detailed response, the Court directed the TDB to report whether similar flex boards exist in other temples or pilgrimage halting points under its management. The Devaswom Commissioner was also impleaded as a respondent in the case.
The Court ordered:
“The learned standing counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board seeks time to get instructions… Issue urgent notice to the Temple Advisory Committee, the fifth respondent, and the Devaswom Commissioner, impleaded as the sixth respondent.“
This ruling underscores the Court’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of sacred spaces and ensuring temple management aligns with the principles of faith and devotion.
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