HC CAN NOT ISSUE DIRECTIONS TO TEMPLES TO PUT UP SIGNBOARDS REGARDING DRESS CODE

The Madras High Court refused to issue directions to all temples to put up signboards specifying a dress code. The HC cited that it was not the court's responsibility to thrust its opinions on society. 

The Bench of Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy said that the temples are at liberty to fix signboards and take measures. Moreover, devotees were expected to follow the customs of the temple while they were entering.

A temple activist sought direction before the Commissioner of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department to put up visible signboards directing a dress code such as "Sanatana dharma mark on the forehead, dhoti/pyjama-kurta, saree/half-saree/salwar kameez".

As per the Petitioner under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, only Hindus are allowed to enter a temple. He further argued due to the absence of such a dress code, people from other communities were also entering temples. 

Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram, while opposing the plea, argued that the management of a temple has the regulatory measures in regard to the dress code. And the same has been laid on the judgment in Mrinalini Padhi v Union of India. 

In view of the above, the bench concluded that it cannot issue a general direction.