Courts are secular, stay away from temple event: Kerala HC to judicial officers

Thrivunanathpuram, November 03: Saying they are a secular democratic institution under the Constitution and they cannot participate in such events, the Kerala High Court forbade informal judicial officers from attending a Guruvayur temple even in the Thrissur District.

 

The celebration known as 'Kodathi Vilakku, consists of a variety of ceremonies and activities done in honor of Guruvayur Ekadashi. The temple is illuminated with lamps and rituals like the elephant parade and Udayasthamana Puja (prayer from dawn until nightfall), mark the grandeur of the event.

 

As per the official note released by the HC, the main district judge of Thrissur was instructed by Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar to inform all judicial personnel of the directive immediately. The Judicial official is cautioned against becoming involved directly, whether that means agreeing to join an organising committee or taking any other action.

 

 

Additionally, they must not feel pressured or required to attend the event, the HC noted. The court stated that it has been observed that a committee made up of members of the Chavakkad Munsiff Court Bar Association hosts "Kodathi Vilakku" every year.

 

The usage of the term "Kodathi Vilakku" is objectionable because it gives the idea that the courts are connected to the event, it was stated, adding that there "can be no problem to" bar members organising similar gatherings.

 

"The fact that judicial officers of all ranks, including those professing other religions,” it said, “feel compelled/obliged to attend the annual event that is invariably attended by the high court judges as well, indicates the extent to which the term ‘Kodathi Vilakku’ can be misleading.”