Kerala HC Directs Cochin Devaswom Board To Decide Whether Videography With Mobile Phones Is Permissible In Temples Under Their Management

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice P G Ajithkumar noted that a report regarding the usage of mobile phones filed by Chief Vigilance Officer is pending consideration before the Cochin Devaswom Board. The Court ordered thus:

“we deem it appropriate to direct the Cochin Devaswom Board to take an appropriate decision on the matter, taking note of the statutory provisions referred to hereinbefore and ensure maintenance of order and decorum in all temples its management, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order.”

The Devaswom Board Petition was taken based on a complaint regarding the use of mobile phones for videography inside the Vadakkumnathan Temple and also in Thekkinad Maidan (Vadakkumnathan Temple Kshetra Maidan).

The complainant alleged that the Devaswom Board was permitting the usage of mobile phones inside the temple and premises.

The Devaswom Manager informed the Court that videography is allowed for marriage functions upon making a payment of rupees 750. It was stated that mobile phones were being used to take photos and selfies without the permission of temple authorities, despite display boards and security guards prohibiting it. It was stated that videography inside the temple is not permissible without permission of the Devaswom Board and Archaeology Department. It was also stated that there is no facility for the deposit of mobile phones in the office of Vadakkumnathan Devaswom.

Further, it was stated that media persons take photos and videos during the temple festival which is done for publicity and promotion. However, it was submitted photography of Devaprathishta is not permitted.

Referring to the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act of 1950 and Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorization of Entry) Act of 1965, the Court noted that the Cochin Devaswom Board is the competent authority to decide upon the permissibility of using mobile phones for videography in temples under its management.

The Court thus directed the Cochin Devaswom Board to take a decision to ensure order and decorum in temples.

Counsel for Respondents: Senior Government Pleader S Rajmohan, Standing Counsel K P Sudheer, Amicus Curiae P Ramachandran

Case Number: DBP NO. 67 OF 2024

Case Title: Sri Narayanankutty K v Cochin Devaswom Board

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 662