Madras HC Refuses To Ban Namaz Offering Near Kasi Viswanthar Temple

The Madras High Court has recently refused to prohibit the offering of Namaz in a pathway known as Nellithopu towards the Kasi Viswanthar Temple located at Thirupparankundram in Madurai District.

A bench comprising Justice R Subramanian and Justice L Victoria Gowri refused to grant an interim stay on the prayers conducted at Nellithopu. The court directed the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment to file their responses to the petition within four weeks.

The bench also commented that offering Namaz for 30 minutes would not harm or affect anyone. The petition was filed by Ramalingam, the State Organisation Secretary of Aghila Bharatha Hanuman Sena. In his plea, Ramalingam argued that devotees visiting the Kasi Viswanathar Temple used to rest and have food in the Nellithoppu area.

However, he claimed that members of Sikkandar Badhusha Dharga started offering Namaz at the same location but that this type of incident has never happened before.  The petitioner further mentioned that Sikkandar Badhusha Dharga was situated on the Thirupparakundram mountain, which had other available vacant lands nearby for prayers.

According to Ramalingam, the offering of Namaz in Nellithopu caused inconvenience and disturbance to the public.

He further alleged that after the prayers, the Jamath members polluted the pathway with food and plastic waste. Additionally, the plea stated that the Jamath members were wrongfully claiming that the Thirupparakundram Arulmighu Subramania Swamy Thirukoil Mountain was known as “Sikkandar Mountain” and attempting to encroach upon the land, leading to potential law and order issues.

The court, however, was notTop of Form inclined to grant the interim injunction and adjourned the matter.