Two major temple boards in Kerala have challenged the Kerala High Court’s restrictions on elephant parades during the Thrissur Pooram festival, arguing that these impractical measures threaten the event’s traditional essence. They claim the High Court overstepped its jurisdiction by declaring elephant use is not essential to religion, asserting that it is vital to their cultural identity and heritage.
The Atala mosque, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur, has moved the Allahabad High Court challenging a local court’s May 2024 order that allowed the registration of a suit which claims that the mosque was originally an ancient temple referred to as ‘Atala Devi mandir’. The mosque has challenged a suit pending before a local court in which the plaintiffs have sought a declaration that the disputed property is the ‘Atala Devi Mandir.’ Hearing on Dec 9.
A petition in Kerala High Court seeks to restrict non-Hindus from entering Hindu temples, citing concerns over filming, particularly the Malayalam movie Vishesham. Petitioners argue such activities disrupt the temples’ sanctity and demand regulations against commercial filming and entry of intoxicated individuals, emphasizing the need to uphold religious dignity.
The Madras High Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department to take action against a temple trustee and staff who filmed a comical Instagram reel inside the Devi Karumari Amman Temple. Justice M Dhandapani criticized the mockery, emphasizing that temples should be treated with respect and devotion.
In Madhya Pradesh, four individuals arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) after they allegedly threw a cow’s head into a temple, an act that stirred communal tensions in the area. Local authorities swiftly responded to the incident, aiming to prevent any escalation of violence. The suspects are currently under investigation, with law enforcement closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and harmony. The use of NSA highlights the severity with which the authorities are treating the case, given the sensitive nature of the act and its potential to incite communal unrest. The community leaders have called for calm and are cooperating with the police to maintain peace.
The Rajasthan High Court acknowledged Sharma and Gattani’s right to religious activities at a temple but emphasized the need to avoid harm to religious symbols. To resolve a dispute involving a religious leader, the court directed both parties to plant trees at the temple as a unique resolution and emphasized the duty to uphold India’s diverse heritage and culture.
An Agra-based advocate filed a court case alleging the existence of a Hindu temple within the grounds of a dargah (shrine) in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh. Advocate Ajay Pratap Singh asserted that a civil court in Agra has acknowledged his assertion. Singh identified the Dargah of Salim Chishti in Fatehpur Sikri as the temple of Goddess Kamakhya, stating that the adjoining mosque is a component of the temple complex.
The Supreme Court Today nullified the Kerala High Court ruling to prosecute a contractor for contaminated cardamom in Sabarimala Temple’s Aravana Prasadam. Justices stated the High Court shouldn’t have entertained petitions from a disgruntled party. The case involves religious and health concerns, emphasizing legal complexities in religious traditions and public safety.
The Supreme Court Today (1 March) has agreed to hear an appeal from the Gyanvapi Management Committee challenging an Allahabad High Court decision deeming lawsuits for the “restoration” of a temple, where a mosque currently stands in Varanasi, as maintainable. Both sides have filed petitions and the legal battle continues.
The counsel for the Shahi Idgah managing committee argued in the Allahabad High Court today that the suit seeking the removal of the mosque is constrained by the statute of limitations. The Muslim side cited a compromise dating back to 1968, stating the suit filed in 2020 is beyond the three-year limit to challenge a compromise. The High Court set March 13 as the next hearing date. The case involves a dispute over Waqf property. The Waqf Act allows the Waqf Boards in India to claim unlimited powers over properties without recourse to legal challenge, raising questions in the context of a secular country. Waqf Board holds over 8,54,509 properties encompassing more than eight lakh acres of land, with powers to acquire and declare ownership without need for proof. The controversy surrounding the Waqf Act and the dispute over the mosque illustrates the complexities of religious property laws in India, provoking debate about the Act’s constitutionality.