Rakia Imran
On 24th February, 2025, Madras High Court ruled that only devotional songs are to be played inside Hindu temple premises. The Court also recorded an assurance from government representatives that this directive would be strictly followed, prohibiting the playing of film songs and other types of music in the case Venkatesh Sowrirajan v. Union Territory of Puducherry and ors.
“During any temple festival, if the orchestra is arranged on behalf of the Temple authorities (or) on behalf of devotees and the same is done within the precincts of the temple, care must be taken to render only devotional songs and not non-devotional songs”, said the Court.
Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy was hearing a petition filed by a devotee from Puducherry, Venkatesh Sowrirajan, who expressed concern over the playing of movie songs during orchestra performances at the Veezhi Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Tirumalairayan Pattinam, Puducherry. He argued that such songs were inappropriate for a temple setting. Additionally, he highlighted that the temple had been left unattended without trustees for a prolonged period, leaving it without proper administration. Taking a serious view of the matter, the Court criticized the situation and directed the authorities to take immediate corrective measures.
“It is settled law that the authorities cannot be keeping the temple without appointment of Trustees for a long period. Therefore, the authorities shall take steps for appointment of the trustees as expeditiously as possible in the manner known to law in respect of the said temple”, the Court said.
Venkatesh Sowrirajan, the petitioner, represented himself in the case by appearing as a party-in-person. Meanwhile, Additional Government Pleader, R Sreedhar advocated on behalf of the Puducherry Government and other concerned authorities.
Case Name: Venkatesh Sowrirajan v. Union Territory of Puducherry and ors
Case Number: W.P.No. 6227 of 2025
Bench: Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy
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