The Kerala High Court, in a recent ruling, held that even a Temple Advisory Committee formed under Section 31A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act cannot collect money from devotees for events like ‘Para Nirakkal’ without prior permission and sealed coupons issued by the Devaswom Board.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. passed the judgment while hearing a writ petition (WP(C) No. 10535 of 2025) filed by Santhosh Warrier, a devotee of Peruvaram Sree Mahadeva Temple, against illegal activities and unauthorized festival collections at the temple.
The petitioner had raised concerns about the Padinjare Nada Vilakku Committee (7th respondent) conducting parallel festivals like ‘Para Nirakkal’ and ‘Vilakku’ without the approval of the Devaswom Board. He alleged that this committee was collecting money from devotees through unapproved methods and organizing unauthorized events, thereby violating temple norms.
“In view of the provisions contained in Section 31A of the Act and the Rules made under sub-section (3) of Section 31A, no committee other than the 6th respondent Temple Advisory Committee… shall have any activity in Peruvaram Sree Mahadeva Temple… in connection with the daily worship, ceremonies and festivals.”
The Court examined Sections 15A, 31, 31A, and Clause (18) of the Rules under the Act, concluding that while Temple Advisory Committees are recognized entities, even they must strictly follow the rules. Specifically, any collection of money for religious ceremonies must be done only with printed coupons approved by the Board and sealed by the Assistant Commissioner.
“Even the 6th respondent Temple Advisory Committee cannot collect money from the devotees in connection with ‘Para Nirakkal’... unless it is done through sealed coupons issued by the Assistant Commissioner with Board approval.”
The 7th respondent argued that they were only accepting voluntary contributions, but the Court dismissed this claim, calling such actions arbitrary and illegal. The Court also criticized the local police (8th respondent) for not registering a complaint when informed about the illegal collections.
“Any collection of money from the devotees by the 6th respondent Temple Advisory Committee, in connection with the annual festival, shall be with the prior approval of the Board, against sealed coupons issued by the Assistant Commissioner.”
The Court issued a directive that if any unauthorized activity or illegal vehicle parking happens again, the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner or Sub Group Officer must file a complaint, and the police must take immediate action.
Case Title: Santhosh Warrier v. State Of Kerala and others
Case No: WP(C) No. 10535 of 2025
Counsel for the Petitioner: Resmi A., Sreeragh C.R.
Counsel for Respondents: Sangeetha S. Nair, Sreejith C.K., S. Rajmohan, Sr. Government Pleader; G. Santhoshkumar, SC - TDB