No prior permission required for screening of Ram Mandir event in private places: TN Police inform Madras HC

Justice J Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court noted that since many such functions are going to be held, the Court wanted to understand the stance of the government and the police on granting permission to such events.

The police informed the Court that hosting such functions can lead to a spillover and hence they need to be informed earlier so that they can take preventive measures.

Further, it was said that if such functions are planned to be conducted in temples under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR and CE), the official concerned must be informed earlier, and the permission will be granted subject to reasonable conditions imposed by the department and the police.

“The stand taken by the state government and the police makes it quite clear that conducting the function considering the auspicious occasion, singing bhajans/uttering Rama Nama/Annadhanams is not per se prohibited or restricted and it must be borne in mind that all this will be done in a responsible and pious manner today (Monday) without giving rise to any law and order problem,” the Judge noted.

He added that no misinformation must be spread regarding the matter.

“Ultimately everyone concerned must keep in mind that Bhakti towards God is only for peace and happiness and not to disturb the equilibrium prevailing in the society,” the Judge concluded.