Entry of Christian priests not violation'

OBSERVING that the very object and purpose of law is to secure social harmony, the Kerala High Court said it is for the government to consider whether the rule prohibiting non-Hindus from entering temples should be retained in its present form or suitably amended in tune with the changing times.

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The court made the observation while holding that the entry of two Christian priests into the Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Adoor, Pathanamthitta, in 2023, permitted by the thantri as invitees and guests, cannot be construed as a violation of the established rites, usages and customs of the temple.Significantly, the court said Rule 3(a) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship Rules, which prohibits the entry of non-Hindus into a place of publicworship, is inconsistent with the parent Act.