Plea In Kerala High Court Alleges RSS Members Illegally Using Temple Premises To Impart Weapon Training

A plea has been moved in the Kerala High Court alleging illegal encroachment of Sree Sarkara Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram by alleged members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for conducting mass drills and weaponry training.

The plea filed by two devotees and nearby residents of the temple avers that such action of the alleged RSS members is causing much agony and difficulty to the devotees and pilgrims visiting the temple, particularly, the women and children. 

The petitioners submit that the respondents conduct illegal activities in the temple without any authorization from the concerned authorities. The petitioners claim that the RSS and other occupants from the organization are using tobacco products within the temple premises, thereby affecting cleanliness, purity, and divinity of the sanctum. "The unpleasant smell emanating by the usage of the above products by the 6th and 7th respondents along with their henchmen is causing great discomfort to the devotees visiting the temple, especially senior citizens, women and children," the plea states.

Additionally, the petitioners state that the respondents shout loud slogans as part of their mass drill/weaponry training, thereby disrupting the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the temple. 

The petitioners submit that the Devaswom Commissioner had issued a circular on March 30, 2021, causing all officers of the board concerned to stop/ prevent using of its premises for conducting mass drills/weaponry training. Subsequently, the petitioners preferred a complaint before the Administrative Officer of the temple in question however, it is claimed that no action was forthcoming.

Another circular was issued by the Devaswom Commissioner calling for strict implementation of the first circular in unequivocal terms however, as per the plea, the violations still continue.

The petitioners have thus sought the Court to hold the respondent authorities duty bound and responsible to ensure that the temple and its premises are only used for devotional purposes and to protect the right to worship of the petitioners which is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

The matter has been posted before the Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P.G. Ajithkumar tomorrow. 

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

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