The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday closed a public interest petition seeking stricter action to prevent people of other faiths from entering temples with religious identifiers.
The petition, filed by Thangam Venkatesh of Madurai, alleged that some visitors from other religions were entering temples with visible religious symbols for political motives. It claimed they signed declarations stating faith in the deity only as a formality, and sought inquiries against those who violate the relevant law and rules governing temple entry.
The petitioner also requested directions to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to strictly enforce the rules and stop entry of persons carrying other religious identities or those not following the concerned faith.
A division bench comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and B. Murugan observed that entering a temple with overt religious markers such as a skullcap was not acceptable, while following the prescribed procedure and signing the register was appropriate. Additional Advocate General Balasubramaniyan, appearing for the State, submitted that the rules were already being followed and would continue to be implemented. Recording this, the bench disposed of the petition.
