Kerala High Court seeks response from State, RSS members on plea by devotees alleging RSS using temple premises to impart weapons training

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday sought the response of the State government and two Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members on a plea alleging that members of the RSS have been conducting mass drills and weaponry training by illegally encroaching on the premises of Sree Sarakara Devi Temple, Chirayinkeezhu [G Vyason & Anr. v State of Kerala & Ors.]. .A bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar issued notice to the State, Travancore Devaswom Board and RSS members and posted the case for further consideration on June 26, Monday. .The plea filed by the two devotees as well as residents of the temple alleged that the actions of the RSS Members were causing agony and difficulties to the pilgrims and devotees visiting the temple, especially women, and children.The plea pointed out that the RSS members have been conducting the said drills and training from 5 PM to 12 AM on all days, despite the circulars issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the administrative officer of the temple prohibiting the use the temple premises for the unauthorized act."The 6th and 7th respondents (2 RSS members) along with their henchmen shout loud slogans as a part of their mass drill /weaponry training,thus disrupting the peaceful and serene atmosphere required to be maintained at a temple.Petitioners hence begs to submit that due to the above actions of the 6th and 7th respondents and their henchmen,ardent devotees belonging to senior citizens, women and children category find it much difficult to visit temple during aforementioned hours due to loss of peace of mind, causing mental stress, agony and loss of calm atmosphere required to be maintained during meditation and offering prayers at `Sree Sarkara Devi Temple," the plea stated.It was submitted that the RSS members use tobacco products like ‘Hans’, and ‘Pan Masala’ within the temple premises, thereby affecting the cleanliness and divinity of the temple.“The unpleasant smell emanating from the usage of the above products by the 6th and 7th respondents along with their henchmen is causing great discomfort to the devotees visiting the temple, especially senior citizens, women, and children,” the plea said.The plea also contended that the RSS members disrupt the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the temple by shouting loud slogans as a part of their mass drill/weaponry training.“Right to worship is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” the plea said.The petitioners further contended that even though they complained to the administrator of the temple, no action was taken.The petition was filed through advocate Nikhil Sankar.