Revenue Department Issues Circular: No Political Symbols in Temples

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Revenue Department has issued a circular prohibiting the display of symbols, emblems, flags, or banners of political organizations, movements, or individuals within temple premises or their vicinities. The circular specifies the guidelines to be adhered to when exhibiting flags, banners, and pictures in and around temples, particularly during temple festivals.

This directive is a measure to implement the instructions previously issued by the High Court. The circular explicitly states that pictures promoting religious or communal discord, images of such individuals, or depictions resembling them are strictly forbidden on temple premises. Special attention must be paid to ensuring compliance with this rule during festival periods.

Furthermore, for the display of flags or banners on temple-owned buildings and lands that are rented out for public events, special permission from the Devaswom Commissioner or administrators is mandatory. The guidelines stipulate that these new rules must be clearly displayed within temple premises in a visible manner within 45 days of the circular’s issuance.

The circular also clarifies that these guidelines are universally applicable to all temples operating under the various Devaswom Boards in Kerala, as well as those temples that receive financial assistance from the state government.