The Kerala High Court directed the filing of an FIR against a man who raised funds for idol installation at Sabarimala temple. The court questioned, “What is the action taken by the Board apart from our directions?”
Today, On 31st January, The Supreme Court declined to hear a PIL challenging VIP darshans at temples. While the court agreed that such special treatment should not be given, it stated that it could not pass orders on the matter. The judges acknowledged concerns over fairness in temple access. However, they emphasized that regulating religious practices is beyond their jurisdiction.
The Kerala High Court upheld the Travancore Devaswom Board’s mandate that the Melshanthi (High Priest) at Sabarimala Temple must be from the Malayala Brahmin community. The court dismissed challenges citing inadequate pleadings and affirmed the caste criteria. Controversy surrounds the constitutional rights and appointment process for this position. (Word count: 49)
