Kerala High Court upholds temple sanctity, prohibits film shoots in temples

The Kerala High Court has noted that temples are primarily places for worship and should not serve as locations for film shoots. The High Court made this observation after a petition was filed challenging the permissions granted for a film shooting at the Thrippunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa temple.
The court also reiterated the importance of preserving the sanctity of religious sites, drawing attention to the potential disrespect caused by commercial filming.
The petition questioned the appropriateness of allowing non-religious films to be shot within temple premises. It argued that such activities not only disregard the sacredness of worship but also risk hurting the sentiments of believers who frequent these sites for spiritual practices. The petition also highlighted specific incidents, noting that during festival seasons, there have been reports of mahouts consuming alcohol and visitors entering temples wearing sandals, further undermining the reverence traditionally associated with these spaces.
In its response, the High Court has sought explanations from both the state government and the Cochin Devaswom Board, the governing body of temples in the region, including the temple in question, regarding their decisions to permit film shooting in this sacred setting.
The petition argues that allowing non-religious filming in temples violates established Hindu shrine rules and contributes to a broader trend of commercialisation that threatens the core values of worship and devotion.