The Madras High Court on December 15 closed a contempt petition after government authorities complied with an earlier order to return religious idols removed from a private residence in north Chennai. The court made strong observations against administrative action driven by superstition and stressed that the State must promote scientific temper among citizens.
Background of the Case
The contempt petition was filed by A. Karthik, alleging wilful disobedience of an April 3, 2025 order passed in a writ petition. Karthik had installed idols of Goddess Sivasakthi Dhakshiswari along with Vinayagar and Veerabhadran inside his own house at Ennore, Chennai.
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According to the petitioner, local authorities removed the idols following objections from residents, who claimed that certain unnatural deaths in the area were linked to the worship being conducted at the premises. The High Court, while disposing of the writ petition earlier this year, had directed the authorities to return the idols, making it clear that worship inside one’s own house cannot be curtailed on the basis of superstitious beliefs.
When the petitioner complained that the order was not complied with, he approached the court again through a contempt petition under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Submissions Before the Court
Counsel for the petitioner told the court that despite the clear direction, the idols had not been returned and that the petitioner was being threatened by members of the public. It was argued that the idols should be handed back with adequate police protection.
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On the other hand, government lawyers contended that the petitioner was allegedly converting his residential premises into a temple without permission, conducting late-night rituals, and causing disturbance to the neighbourhood. A newly impleaded respondent also claimed that the land itself was government “poromboke” land and that public donations were being collected.
Court’s Observations
After hearing all sides, Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy noted that the central issue in the contempt case was limited: whether the earlier direction to return the idols had been followed.
During the hearing, the court directed the petitioner to collect the idols from the Tahsildar’s office. Later, it was reported that the idols had indeed been handed over.
“The court’s direction issued earlier stands complied with,” the judge recorded, adding that the contempt petition therefore did not survive.
However, the court went on to clarify several related issues raised during the hearing.
Limits on Worship and Role of Authorities
The High Court made it clear that while an individual is free to keep idols and worship peacefully inside their own premises, such worship cannot disturb the public. The judge reiterated that there should be no loudspeakers, noise pollution, or activities affecting neighbours.
If any construction has been made without proper permission, the court said, it is open to the local authorities to issue notice and proceed in accordance with law. Similarly, if public donations are collected or a hundi is placed, authorities under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department are empowered to inspect and take action.
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At the same time, the court issued a sharp reminder to the administration.
“God or an idol will never harm any human being. Such beliefs are only superstitions,” the bench observed, underlining that State authorities cannot give in to fear or false beliefs while exercising statutory powers.
Decision
Recording that the idols had been returned and the earlier order complied with, the Madras High Court closed the contempt petition, while laying down clear boundaries for both the petitioner’s religious practices and the authorities’ regulatory powers.
Case Title:- A. Karthik vs Rashmi Siddharth Zagade & Others
Case Number: Contempt Petition No. 3856 of 2025
