Madras High Court has courted controversy after it said in one of its cases that it would be better to close the temple if it is going to turn into a source of violence and discrimination. The court observed this while dismissing a plea moved by K Thangarasu, hereditary trustee of Arulmighu Sri Ruthra Maha Kaliyamman Alayam, Mayiladuthurai. He wanted the district police to increase the police security for the temple festival.

When the plea came up for hearing, public prosecutor A Damodaran said that there was a dispute between two groups over who conducts the festival. There was also a dispute over who will place the Vinayagar idol inside the temple. Following this a peace meeting was also organised by the tehsildar but both the sides did not reach an agreement. Due to this, fearing a law and order problem, he did not grant permission for the temple permission because of which the trustees of the temple moved to the High Court.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh said, “If temples are going to perpetuate violence, the existence of temples will have no meaning and in all such cases, it would be better to close down those temples so that the violence can be averted.”

“The purpose of a temple is to enable the devotees to worship God for peace and happiness. However, unfortunately, temple festivals are perpetuating violence, and it is only becoming a stage for groups to show who is powerful in the particular area,” he further added.

Noting that no devotion is involved in conducting certain festivals, he said they have rather become a show of strength by one group or the other. This completely defeats the very purpose of conducting temple festivals, he said, adding, “Till man drops his ego and goes to the temple seeking for the blessings of the god, the whole purpose of having a temple is of no use,” the court said.

The court dismissed his plea saying that no protection will be given and that if the festival is to be held it should be done peacefully by the parties.