Circular dictates police personnel to bear temple expenses, retracted after objection
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Kozhikode: A controversial circular that mandated compulsory payments from all police personnel under Kerala's Kozhikode city area for the administrative expenses of a temple run by the force has been retracted, as some members within the force objected to the decision to deduct a portion from their salaries.
The Additional Director General of Police (law and order), M R Ajith Kumar, has directed the Kozhikode Police Commissioner, Rajpal Meena, to withdraw the directive, which had been issued on July 19.
This decision came in response to mounting discontent among a section of police personnel in Kozhikode over the imposed contribution towards the centuries-old Sree Bhadrakali Temple at Muthalakkulam.
The temple has been under the control of the police, with the city police commissioner serving as the president of the administrative committee. On June 19, the commissioner issued a circular informing all police personnel within the city limits that the temple committee had decided to deduct Rs 20 from their monthly salaries to support the temple's administrative expenses.
The circular further stipulated that details of police personnel unwilling to contribute to the temple as asked in the circular should be submitted to the commissioner's office by July 24.
However, this move faced resistance from a group of police personnel, who felt singled out and unhappy with the directive. The discontent eventually led to a decision to withdraw the circular.
The temple, formerly known as Sree Annapoorneshwari Temple, underwent renovation and was renamed Sree Bhadrakali Temple in 2011. Prior to Independence, it was one of the places of worship managed by the uniformed forces to cater to the religious needs of the personnel.
While the administration of a mosque and church in the city was later handed over to the respective religious communities, the temple remained under the jurisdiction of the police force, with officers voluntarily contributing towards its management.
However, this practice was discontinued two years ago due to internal protests within the police force.