While directing the Tamil Nadu government to install boards indicating that non-Hindus are not permitted entry inside the Palani temple, the Madras High Court emphasized that temples are not covered under Article 15 of the Constitution. Saying that they are “not a picnic or tourist spot,” the court also directed the authorities to maintain the temple as per Agamas, customs and practices.
A bench led by Justice S Srimathy asked the state government to install boards in all Hindu temples indicating “non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple after Kodimaram” – at the entrance of the temples, near the flagpole and at prominent places in the shrine.
The court was hearing a plea from D Senthilkumar – organiser of Palani hill temple devotees organisation – who sought directions to permit only Hindus to the Arulmigu Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple and sub-temples. “The respondents are directed not to allow the non-Hindus who do not believe in Hindu religion. If any non-Hindu claims to visit a particular deity in the temple, then the respondents shall obtain an undertaking from the said non-Hindu that he has faith in the deity and he would follow the customs and practices of the Hindu religion and also abide by the temple customs and on such undertaking, the said non-Hindu may be allowed to visit the temple,” the court ruled.
However, the court noted that the order is only restricted to the Palani temples.
The court was hearing a plea from D Senthilkumar – organiser of Palani hill temple devotees organisation – who sought directions to permit only Hindus to the Arulmigu Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple and sub-temples.
“The respondents are directed not to allow the non-Hindus who do not believe in Hindu religion. If any non-Hindu claims to visit a particular deity in the temple, then the respondents shall obtain an undertaking from the said non-Hindu that he has faith in the deity and he would follow the customs and practices of the Hindu religion and also abide by the temple customs and on such undertaking, the said non-Hindu may be allowed to visit the temple,” the court ruled.
However, the court noted that the order is only restricted to the Palani temples.
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