Plea before Kerala High Court to restrict entry of non-Hindus to temples

A plea has been filed before the Kerala High Court seeking to restrict the entry of non-Hindus into temples under the administration of the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB). The petitioners, devotees of Lord Poornathrayeesa, raised concerns about the use of temple premises for video and film shoots, alleging that non-Hindus were entering the sacred spaces. They cited the recent Malayalam film ‘Vishesham’ as an example, where crew members reportedly of non-Hindu faith entered the temple compound. The petitioners argued that such activities disturb the religious atmosphere and violate the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorization of Entry) Rules, 1965. They also claimed that the CDB allowed people to enter temples under the influence of alcohol. The court has granted the CDB two weeks to file a counter affidavit and has scheduled the next hearing for November 25. The petitioners seek directions to restrict non-Hindus’ entry and prevent commercial filming in temple premises.