Devaswom Board's New Directive Bans RSS Drills On Temple Premises

Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has issued a directive asking all temples under its authority to not allow mass drills or any other activities organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on their premises. Though the restriction is already in existence, the new directive released on the account that RSS activities are still in vogue in a few temples across Kerala.

In the circular the Board made explicit that, aside from temple festivals and rituals, the temple vicinity should not be used for any other purposes, and officers who failed to comply with the order may face strict action.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government pronounced their objection against RSS using the premises for martial training and mass drills. Chief minister Pinrayi Vijayan has also criticised RSS for using the temple premises for their shakhas (branches) and physical training, TOI reported.

Besides, latest circular prohibits any use of loudspeakers by anyone other than temple managements and also publicity material such as banners and hoardings from third-parties will be not be allowed at temples. The notices and pamphlets, to the temple should only be printed after receiving affirmation from the board authorities. The priests at each temple have also been asked to inform the authorities if there’s any violation on such ground.

Earlier, the boards had issues directives prohibiting illegal activities by political and community organisations after the Kerala High Court issued orders in this regard.

TDB said that not just the RSS, no other organisations or political parties will not be allowed to use temple premises for other purposes. The order directed the deputy devaswom commissioners, assistant devaswom commissioners, administrative officers and sub group officers to take steps to prohibit such activities and report it to the head office.

In March 2021, based on a complaint received, the board has issued a similar directive.