Madras High Court Issues Notice On Plea To Remove 'Sai Baba Idols' From Hindu Temples Under HR&CE Department

The bench of Acting Chief Justice R Mahadevan and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq issued notice to the HR&CE.

The petition was filed by D Sureshbabu, a resident of Coimbatore. In his plea, Suresh Babu argued that Sai Mandirs/Temples were not exclusively a place of Hindu Public Religious worship and keeping his idol in the temple was against the Agama principles.

Citing an earlier order of the Madras High Court, he contended devotees of Sai Baba belonged to all religions and was not exclusively dedicated for worship by Hindus nor was a place exclusively for the Hindu public religious worship.

He added that in Tamil Nadu, idols of Sai baba were installed in some temples along with idols of Hindu Gods which was against the Agama principles and hurt the religious sentiments, belief and custom of the Hindu community, especially since Sai Baba was a person who preached both Islam and Hinduism. He also added that the installation was particularly against the Shaivite scripture, dating back to 8^th Century.

He added that though Sai Baba has followers, the Hindu Agama and customs and beliefs should not be violated and the feelings and sentiments of Hindus at large could not be hurt by placing the idol of a Godman in temples along with idols of Hindu gods.

Suresh further submitted that the HR&CE department, which is responsible for the management of the temple should have taken appropriate steps against such installation of idols of Godman but have failed to perform their duties. Though he had sent representations to the department, no action was taken on the same, which prompted him to approach the High Court.

Thus, he had sought directions to the Department of Tourism, Culture nd Religious Endowment and the HR&CE Department to consider his representation and remove the Godman Sai Baba idols from the Hindu temples wherever installed which are under the direct and indirect control of the department.

Case Title: D Suresh Babu v The Principal Secretary to Government and Others

Case No: WP 16526 of 2024