Madras High Court criticises TVK MLA for entering temple wearing skullcap

Chennai: The Madras High Court has criticised a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA for entering a temple wearing a skullcap.

A division bench comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and P. Murugan criticised the temple visit of Badruddin Mustafa, TVK MLA representing the Madurai Central constituency. Following the elections, he had visited the Meenakshi Amman Temple and climbed its towers during the Kumbhabhishekam ceremony. The court questioned his participation in the religious ceremony, noting that he had earlier declared his intention to eradicate Sanatana Dharma. It stressed that temple management rules and customs must be respected in such situations.

The court observed that political leaders visit places of worship to display their religious affiliations for electoral gains. It said some politicians belonging to other faiths visit temples wearing religious symbols on their foreheads to secure votes. Temple customs and traditions should not be compromised to accommodate such political displays, it added. The bench also criticised the personality cult surrounding political leaders, with supporters engaging in excessive displays of devotion. While political demonstrations and attempts to gain votes may have a place in democracy, temple traditions cannot be set aside for such purposes, it observed.

The Madras High Court also said that non-Hindus wishing to enter temples governed by Agama principles must submit an affidavit affirming their respect for and faith in the presiding deity. It made clear that those unwilling to abide by the temple's customs and practices cannot be allowed entry into such temples. The court further directed that entry should not be permitted to those who wear religious symbols but do not demonstrate respect for the presiding deity.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by K. Thangam Venkatesh concerning the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act. It said non-Hindus wishing to proceed beyond the flagstaff in such temples must submit an affidavit in the format prescribed by the respective temple. The affidavit must affirm their faith in the presiding deity and their willingness to follow the customs of Hinduism and the temple. The court also referred to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, a Christian, having visited the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.