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Court directed that if an orchestra is arranged during temple festivals, only devotional songs must be played within the temple premises
The Madras High Court has directed temple authorities of the Shri Veezhi Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Tirumalairayan Pattinam, Puducherry to ensure that only devotional songs are played within temple premises during festivals, prohibiting the rendition of cinema songs or any non-religious music.
The direction was issued by Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy while disposing of a petition filed by Venkatesh Sowrirajan. The petitioner had raised concerns about the performance of film songs during temple festivals at the temple, and also sought the appointment of trustees for the temple, which had been without a governing body for a prolonged period.
During the hearing, the Additional Government Pleader representing the Union Territory of Puducherry assured the court that the authorities would take necessary steps to prevent the singing of non-devotional songs inside the temple premises. Regarding the appointment of trustees, the government counsel requested additional time to obtain instructions.
The court, in its order, emphasized that temple precincts should be reserved for religious activities and ruled that "care must be taken to render only devotional songs" during festivals if an orchestra is arranged by the temple authorities or devotees.
Furthermore, court underscored the legal obligation of authorities to appoint trustees to manage temple affairs. Observing that temples cannot be left without a governing body for an indefinite period, the court directed the authorities to take necessary steps to appoint trustees as soon as possible in accordance with the Puducherry Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1972.
With these directions, the court disposed of the petition at the admission stage itself.
Case Title: Venkatesh Sowrirajan vs. The Union Territory of Puducherry And Others
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