The Kerala High Court on Tuesday voiced its disapproval of the use of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) flags and the rendition of songs praising the Communist Party of India (Marxist) during the recent Kadakkal temple festival in Kollam district. The court highlighted that such political displays at religious events were inappropriate and could harm the sanctity of spiritual celebrations.
The bench, comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S, issued notices to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the advisory committee of the Kadakkal Temple, asking for explanations regarding the incident. The judges also made it clear that funds collected from devotees for temple festivities should not be used for political programs.
This judicial scrutiny follows a petition by advocate Vishnu Sunil Panthalam, who argued that the political nature of the songs and the visible party flags during the temple festival were unsuitable and offensive to the religious sentiments of the devotees. According to Panthalam’s lawyer, Jomy K Jose, this act represented a disturbing encroachment into a religious event.
In response, TDB’s advocate G Biju informed the court that a vigilance investigation had been initiated and a show-cause notice was issued to the temple’s advisory committee to address the concerns raised.
The controversy stems from a performance by singer Aloshi Adams, who sang revolutionary songs, including a tribute to the late CPI(M) member Puthukudi Pushpan, a survivor of the 1994 Koothuparamba police firing. The performance, which featured political symbols in the background, sparked criticism from various quarters, including the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Following the backlash, Adams clarified that he had performed the song at the audience’s request and did not select it himself. However, the incident has prompted broader discussions about the appropriateness of political activities at religious venues.
