Kerala High Court Issues Notice To RSS Members Allegedly Imparting Weapon Training At Temple; Seeks Response From State, Devaswom Board

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday issued notice to alleged RSS members said to be illegally encroaching premises of Sree Sarkara Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram for conducting mass drills and weaponry training.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P.G. Ajithkumar also sought response of the State government and the Travancore Devaswom Board, and posted the matter for further consideration on 26th June.

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

The petitioners have stated 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.

The petitioners have also stated that the respondents shout loud slogans as part of their mass drill/weaponry training, thereby disrupt the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the temple.

The petitioners have sought for directions from 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 plea has been moved through Advocate S.Nikhil Sankar.

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