Ram Mandir Pran Pratishta | Singing Ram Bhajans, Uttering 'Rama Nama' Not Prohibited But Be Done Without Disturbing Law & Order: Madras HC

Justice Anand Venkatesh held a special sitting in the early hours of Monday to hear the matter. The court took note of the State's submission that there was no prohibition against conduct of functions, singing Bhajans, uttering Rama Nama and Annadhanams on account of the auspicious ceremony. The court however added that the same should be done responsibly to avoid any law and order prlem.

“The above stand taken by the State Government and the Police makes it quite clear that conducting the function considering the auspicious occasion, singing Bhajans / uttering Rama Nama / Annadhanams is not per se prohibited or restricted and it must be borne in mind that all this will be done in a responsible and pious manner today without giving rise to any law and order problem,” the court observed.

The court added that care must be taken to ensure that no misinformation or wrong information was being spread and it should be understood that devotion was for bringing peace and not to disturb the equilibrium of the society.

“No misinformation or wrong information must be permitted to be spread and this will be kept in mind by all parties concerned. Ultimately everyone concerned must keep in mind that Bhakti towards God is only for peace and happiness and not to disturb the equilibrium prevailing in the society,” the court said.

During the hearing, the police informed the court that necessary permission was granted for organizing a live telecast of the temple inauguration. To this, the court noted that no police permission was necessary for conducting such programs in private places and for temples under the control of the Hindu religious and charitable endowment department, prior information to the Executive Officer was necessary.

The state had informed the court that functions, Bhajans and Annadhanams conducted in private enclosures did not require police permission and it was left open to the organisers to make arrangements for live streaming of the inauguration.

The State further informed the court that where there was a possibility of excess crowd in a place which was accessed by the general public, the same was to be informed to the police to enable them to take necessary measures to keep law and order situation under control and ensure that no disturbance is caused to the movement of the general public.

The State also informed the court that if the police was of the opinion that a particular area was sensitive, it was open to the police to impose restrictions and to ensure that the function did not lead to any unnecessary law and order problem.

Counsel for the Petitioner: Mr. G Karthikeyan, Senior Counsel and Mr. S Ravi Senior Counsel for Abhinav Parthasarathy and Tarun Rao Kallakuru

Counsel for the Respondent: Mr. A Damodharan, Additional Public Prosecutor

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Mad) 34

Case Title: L Ganapathy v The Assistant Commissioner of Police

Case No: WP 1430 of 2024