Sakha Activities, Mass Drills, Weaponry Training Are Prohibited In Temple Premises: Travancore Devaswom Board To Kerala High Court

The affidavit was filed in a plea moved by devotees and nearby residents of Sree Rakthakanda Swamy Temple, Omallur in Pathanamthitta district alleging illegal encroachment and unauthorized use of temple and temple premises for conducting conduct mass drills, Sakha activities by the members of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) (Respondents 7 to 10).

The affidavit stated that the Travancore Devaswom Board had issued circulars prohibiting conducting mass drills and other weaponry practices in temples and premises managed by the Board. It was stated that the Board has directed all the officials to comply strictly with these circulars.

It is further stated that the Sub Group Officer of the Temple has issued notice to the members of RSS that Sakha activities, mass drill and weaponry training are banned in Temple premises. It is also stated that sakha activities, Guru Pooja, Guru Dakshina in temple premises are not activities connected to Temple.

The Court is apprised that the Sub Group Officer has lodged complaints with the police due to the continuous Sakha activities of the RSS members in the Sree Rakthakanda Swamy Temple. It is further stated that the Sakha activities were continuing, despite strict warnings from the police.

It is also submitted that It is further submitted that sakha activities are conducted in the Temple premises with the support of the Temple Advisory Committee.

Furthermore, referring to the High Court decision in Vyasan v State of Kerala, it was stated that mass drills and weaponry practices in the temple premises are strictly prohibited.

The matter will be taken up on October 11, 2024. 

Case Title: Baiju v State of Kerala

Case Number: WP(C) 16359/2024