Even entry into the premises of an Agamic temple cannot be allowed to non-Hindus who use religious symbols and who do not profess to worship the deity concerned: HC

Madras High Court | Photo credit: Picumani K

Even entry into the premises of an Agama temple cannot be allowed to non-Hindus who wear religious marks and who do not profess reverence for the deity concerned. The subscription must be in the format prescribed by the concerned institution, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court said.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by K. Thangam Venkatesh of Madurai district. The petitioner sought a direction to the authorities to conduct an inquiry against the violators of the statutory provisions of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Act and Rules and strictly enforce the statutory provisions.

From April 2026: On the entrance case of the Sabarimala Temple

A division bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and P. Murugan said the petitioner was a Hindu and had the right to insist that the trustees of various Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu observe Agamic injunctions by not allowing non-Hindus to cross the flagpole.

If such an entry were allowed, it would defile the sanctity of the temple.

Referring to the court’s two earlier orders of the Single Bench, the judges said that though the law was declared categorically, it had noticed that heinous violations had taken place in recent times.

The court said that Badrudeen Mustafa, MLA representing Madurai Central constituency where the famous Meenakshi temple was located, entered the temple premises soon after his election. He argued that he had the right to control whether proper facilities were provided. He also climbed the temple towers on the occasion of Kumbabhishekam. It was ironic that the MLA declared that Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated.

The court said it took cognizance of the fact that the minister, who was a Christian by faith, had entered the Tiruchendur temple without giving the undertaking required of non-Hindus.

We have the famous example of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay worshiping Goddess Meenakshi after signing the pledge. The Chief Minister, who was a Christian by faith, was not asked to convert to Hinduism. He was only asked to confirm his respect for the deity. We call this an inclusive approach, the court said.

The court said it had taken judicial notice of a video circulating on social media of hooded persons pushing their way into the Thiruvannamali Arunachaleswarar temple despite vigorous protests by devotees. HR and CE staff stood as mute spectators.

The court said it had made it clear at the outset that the scope of the judgment was limited to Agama temples. Lord Ayyappa has devotees across religions. Shirdi Sai Baba is also outside religion. Both Hindus and Muslims claimed Him as their own. Of course, it is now more a part of the Hindu pantheon, the court said.

Published – 27 Oct 2026 20:19 IST