RSS Members Were Using Temple Premises But Illegal Activities Have Now Stopped: Police Tells Kerala High Court

The Secretary of the Travancore Devaswom Board and the Station House Officer of Chirayinkeezh Police Station have filed counter affidavits before the Kerala High Court supporting the averments of the devotees and nearby residents of Sree Sarkara Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, in a plea against illegal encroachment of the temple premises by RSS members for conducting mass drills and weaponry training.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P.G. Ajithkumar had issued notice to the alleged RSS members, and sought response of the State government and the Travancore Devaswom Board in the matter, on June 20, 2023.

Accordingly, the affidavit filed by the Secretary of Travancore Devawom Board avers that it had issued circulars prohibiting mass drills and other weaponry practices at the premises, it had also instructed all its officers administering the temple to strictly implement the circulars, and that strict action would be initiated against officers not implementing the directions.

The Secretary assured that after filing of the writ petition, illegal activities were stopped. Further, request for installation of a gate at the temple to prevent unauthorized entry is under process in the Maramath department.

The Station House Officer submitted that pursuant to Administrative Officer's letter requesting action to be taken to stop the conduct of mass drill and allied activities in the temple, the Police authorities issued notices to the alleged RSS members and upon enquiry found the allegations are true. It is submitted that no further activities have since occurred, and that there was no law and order situation at present in and around the temple. 

The SHO has further undertaken that any direction issued by the Court in this regard would be carried out without fail. 

The plea has been moved through Advocate S.Nikhil Sankar.

Case Title: G. Vyasan v. State of Kerala & Ors.