HC stays temple dress code order

 The Madras High Court on Monday stayed a recent single-judge order imposing dress code for devotees entering temples in Tamil Nadu since January.

After hearing the petitions filed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) and Southern Districts Women Federation, Justices V Ramasubramanian and N Kirubakaran granted interim stay till January 18.

The petition stated that it is difficult to compel or force devotees to wear specific dress while entering temples.

The department also stated that the new rule is not in line with the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947, which allows the temple management to decide the dress code according to their traditions.

The women’s organisation claimed the dress code was against an individual’s right to wear the clothing of his/her choice.

Claiming that the order was “highly discriminatory,” the petitioner contended that restrictions imposed by the judge “are against the fundamental rights, especially of women and children.”

On December 1, the single-judge bench directed the state government to impose the dress code for devotees coming to offer worship in temples to enhance the spiritual ambiance.

While disposing a PIL filed by Rasu seeking police protection and permission for “Adal Paadal programme” (dance and music) at Sri Shenbaga Vinayagar temple in Tiruchirapalli district, Justice S Vaidyanathan, in his order, said, “We should dress for public worship in a way that is generally considered appropriate.”