The Madras High Court on Monday permitted the live streaming by the Viveka Hindu Movement of the Pran Pratishta ceremony of the Ram Mandir. The High Court’s intervention came in response to a Writ Petition lodged by the Viveka Hindu Movement seeking directions against the Avadi Police to not interfere in live streaming of Ram Mandir’s Pran Pratishtha ceremony at KKR Kalyana Mandapam, Pattabiram.
The Bench comprising Justice N Anand Venkatesh took cognizance of the issue of the Avadi Police’s refusal to authorize both live streaming and Bhajans in connection with Ram Janmashtami. The petitioner argued that the arrangement of devotional songs (bhajans) and charitable food distribution (Annadhanam) aimed to commemorate the consecration of Sri Ram Temple at Ram Janma Bhumi in Ayodhya, adding that historically, no permission from authorities was required for similar events.
Consecutively, the High Court granted its approval to the requests under specific stipulations. The Court noted that obtaining police authorization was not mandatory for organizing devotional songs (bhajans), live streaming of Prana Prathista, Annadhan, etc., within private temples, community halls, and Kalyan Mandapams.
However, the Bench observed that in the occurrence of law and order concerns, the police retains the authority to oversee and regulate such events. It added that similarly for temples under the purview of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) department, comparable programs may be subject to police regulation.
The High Court further underlined that by considering the local situation, if the police is of the opinion that the area is sensitive, it will be left open to the police to impose such restrictions and to ensure that the function does not lead to any unnecessary law and order problem.
The Madras High Court also observed that the State Government and the Police have clearly stated that organizing the event on the auspicious occasion is allowed. It also mentioned that singing Bhajans, chanting Rama Nama, and conducting Annadhanams are not inherently prohibited or restricted.
The Bench also stressed that these aforesaid activities should be carried out responsibly and piously, ensuring that they do not lead to any law and order issues. It stated that all parties involved should refrain from spreading misinformation or incorrect details, adding that it is essential for everyone to recognize that devotion to God is intended for promoting peace and happiness, and should not disrupt the societal equilibrium.
Subsequently, the Court allowed the Writ Petition.