ERNAKULAM: The Kerala High Court has banned mass drills and weaponry training at the Sarkara Devi Temple in Chirayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram district. The order was issued on a petition filed by devotees against such drills and training allegedly conducted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the temple premises.
A division bench headed by Justice Anil K Narendran said that the temple premises are meant for religious purposes and should not be used for any other activities. The court also said that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, has the responsibility to ensure that the premises are used for the intended purpose.
The plea filed by the devotees alleged that the RSS had been conducting mass drills and weapon training on the temple premises without the permission of the TDB. The plea also said that the drills and training were causing disturbance to the devotees who visited the temple.
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The TDB welcomed the court’s order and said that it would help to maintain peace and tranquility in the area. The board also said that it would take all necessary steps to ensure that the temple premises are not used for any other activities other than religious purposes.
However, the RSS has denied the allegations of the devotees and said that it does not conduct any mass drills or weapon training on the temple premises. The RSS has also said that it will challenge the court’s order in a higher court.
The court’s order is a significant development as it sets a precedent for other temples in the state. The order is also likely to be welcomed by those who are opposed to the RSS and its activities.
Union minister and senior BJP leader V Muralidharan stated that the RSS is not involved in any weapon training near the temple premises.
The SHO of the Chirayinkeezhu police station said a police inquiry found the petitioners’ allegations were true. “Notice was served on the persons concerned directing them to stop the mass drill.”
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On May 23, the TDB reiterated its ban on RSS ‘shakhas’ (morning assemblies) or mass drills at temples under its management in Kerala.
The TDB expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of its previous order from 2021, which prohibited the Hindu groups from conducting arms training on temple properties.
The board warned of strict action against officials who fail to comply with the ban.
In 2016, it issued a circular banning all forms of arms training by the RSS. The circular was reissued on March 30, emphasizing the need for action by officials.