The Kerala High Court has closed a writ petition challenging a police circular restricting police personnel from participating in religious rituals or ceremonies while wearing their official uniform.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K. V. Jayakumar passed the order on September 17, 2026, after recording the stand taken by the State Police Chief.
The petition was filed by Dr. P S Mahendra Kumar against the State of Kerala and other authorities, including the Travancore Devaswom Board, Cochin Devaswom Board and the State Police Chief.
The challenge concerned a circular issued by the State Police Chief on July 1, 2026. The petitioner alleged that the circular prohibiting police participation in temple ceremonies was arbitrary and violated Articles 14, 25 and 29 of the Constitution.
During the hearing, the State clarified that the restriction did not prevent police personnel from performing their regular duties during festivals and religious events.
The counter affidavit stated:
"Police personnel shall continue to discharge all statutory duties in connection with festivals and religious events, including maintenance of law and order, crowd management, traffic regulation, security arrangements, escort duties and all other policing functions entrusted to them."
It further clarified that the restriction was limited to participation in religious rituals or ceremonies while wearing the official police uniform, except when such participation formed part of an official duty.
The State also stated that the instruction was issued in the public interest and to maintain discipline, uniformity, neutrality and the professional image of the police administration.
The petitioner’s counsel submitted that, in view of the State’s stand recorded in the counter affidavit, the writ petition could be closed.
Considering the submissions and recording paragraphs 4 and 9 of the State Police Chief’s counter affidavit, the Kerala High Court closed the writ petition.
Case Title: Dr. P S Mahendra Kumar v. State of Kerala & Others
Case Number: WP(C) No. 24250 of 2026
