Videography Ban for Vloggers in Guruvayur Temple Courtyard Enforced by Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has ordered the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee to restrict vloggers from filming in the Nadapanthal (outer courtyard) of the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur. The Court clarified that videography will only be permitted during religious ceremonies and marriage functions. This directive came in response to a petition from devotees concerned over non-Hindus, including a Muslim woman, entering the temple premises.
Videography ban at Guruvayur Temple
In its ruling, the Court instructed the Devaswom Managing Committee and temple administrators to ensure that only authorized videography occurs within the temple’s designated spaces. It emphasized that the temple, as a Special Security Zone under Section 83(1) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, cannot allow unrestricted videography, particularly around sensitive areas such as the eastern ‘Deepastambham.’ The Committee is to ensure that the presence of vloggers and any activity causing disturbance to devotees, including children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities, is strictly controlled.
The petition also included a video allegedly showing a woman celebrating her birthday by cutting a cake and engaging in disputes with devotees waiting for darshan at the Nadapanthal. The Court reminded the Managing Committee of its duty to uphold temple customs and ensure proper conduct of rites and ceremonies. Furthermore, it stated that the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee, as trustee of the temple’s properties, is legally bound to administer them with care and in accordance with the principles governing Hindu Religious Trusts.