No permission to install idol on Sabarimala premises, TDB tells HC
In a suo motu proceeding on Thursday, the Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. wanted the board to clarify whether it had issued permission to any one to install the idol.
The Bench initiated the proceedings based on a report filed by R. Jayakrishnan, Sabarimala Special Commissioner, who noted that the TDB had permitted the chairperson of a multi-speciality hospital in Erode to install an idol of Ayyappa made of panchaloham, an alloy of five precious metals, at the temple, without hindering the temple structure and rituals.
The report also took note of the distribution of pamphlets bearing bank account number, QR code and mobile numbers that said that a two-feet high idol weighing 108 kg and costing ₹9 lakh was to be installed there. A fundraising campaign also began, on the strength of the 'permission' granted by the TDB, creating an impression that he was authorised to do so by the TDB and the State government, the report said.
The Sabarimala Tantri had informed the Special Commissioner that he was unaware of the alleged attempt to install the idol, which was against temple rituals. The Special Commissioner sought the interference of the court in the issue and stringent directions to stop such practices in the temple.
The TDB submitted before the court that no permission was granted to the hospital's chairperson to install any idol on the temple premises. Neither was permission granted to collect money from the public, it contended.
The court directed the TDB to issue an advisory in the Virtual-Q platform that it has not authorised anyone to install an idol of Ayyappa for worship on the temple premises or to collect money from the public for the purpose. The case has been listed for hearing on Friday.
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