The court has ordered that only devotional songs should be played during temple festivals, and no cinema songs or other non-religious music should be allowed within the temple premises.
Madras: The Madras High Court given important directions to the authorities of the Shri Veezhi Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Tirumalairayan Pattinam, Puducherry.
The court has ordered that only devotional songs should be played during temple festivals, and no cinema songs or other non-religious music should be allowed within the temple premises.
This directive was issued by Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy while disposing of a petition filed by Venkatesh Sowrirajan. The petitioner had expressed concern about the playing of film songs during temple festivals. He also highlighted that the temple has been without trustees for a long time and requested the court to ensure that trustees are appointed to manage the temple’s affairs.
During the court hearing, the Additional Government Pleader representing the Union Territory of Puducherry assured the court that necessary steps would be taken to stop the singing of non-devotional songs within the temple premises.
The court observed that temple premises are meant for religious activities and emphasized, “care must be taken to render only devotional songs” during festivals if an orchestra is arranged by temple authorities or devotees.
Regarding the appointment of trustees, the government counsel requested more time to obtain instructions. The court stressed the importance of having a governing body for temple management and noted that “temples cannot be left without a governing body for an indefinite period.”
The court further directed the authorities to take necessary action for appointing trustees under the Puducherry Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1972. It underscored the legal obligation of the authorities to manage temple affairs properly and ensure that trustees are appointed at the earliest.
With these instructions, the Madras High Court disposed of the petition at the admission stage itself.
Case Title: Venkatesh Sowrirajan vs. The Union Territory of Puducherry And Others
