The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the entry of an Orthodox Church bishop and a priest into a Hindu temple, citing the importance of religious harmony and constitutional principles.
The case was filed by Sanil Narayanan Nampoothiri, a Hindu devotee, who objected to Bishop Zacharias Aprem, metropolitan of the Adoor-Kadampanad diocese, and a priest entering the Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Adoor. Nampoothiri argued that the temple rules barred non-Hindus from entering, and their presence violated these provisions.
Justice K. V. Jayakumar, in a ruling on 30 January released on 7 February, said that laws, rules, and regulations should not be used to create conflict among religions, castes, or communities. The judge suggested that the state government consider updating the rule restricting non-Hindu entry “to align it with legislative intent and constitutional principles.”
“Law is not static; it evolves with the needs and realities of society,” Justice Jayakumar said. “Legal provisions should support mutual respect and coexistence rather than division.”
The bishop and priest were invited to the temple to participate in celebrations marking the birth of the Hindu god Krishna on 7 September 2023. The petitioner claimed that their entry, in their clerical robes, violated the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorization of Entry) Act, 1965, and associated rules. He also alleged that temple authorities allowed their entry despite objections from some devotees.
The temple is managed by the state-run Travancore Devaswom Board, which stated in a court affidavit that the Christian clergy were invited guests and that their presence was not unlawful.
The court noted that as society becomes more inclusive, laws must be interpreted in ways that support constitutional values and social cohesion. Justice Jayakumar stressed that legal frameworks should act as a “unifying force” fostering respect and coexistence.
Rony Varghese, a trustee of the Orthodox Church, welcomed the ruling, saying it “upholds the constitutional principle of secularism.” Bishop Zacharias Aprem also highlighted the importance of harmony, brotherhood, and treating all citizens equally.
Original reporting by UCA News, rewritten for this publication.
