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January 22, 2024 4:46 PM IST

Pran Prathishta | tamil nadu govt pran pratishtha ban | tamil nadu live telecast ban

SC questions Tamil Nadu govt’s alleged ban on live telecast of ‘Pran Prathishta’

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Tamil Nadu government on its alleged oral order to prohibit live telecasts of the ‘Pran Prathishta’ ceremony of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya in temples across the state. The apex court said that denying permission based on the minority status of Hindus in certain areas is not justifiable in a homogeneous society.

“This is a homogenous society, do not prevent only on the ground that the A or B community is there,” a bench comprising of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta told counsel appearing for Tamil Nadu government.

The top court issued the notice to the Tamil Nadu government and others in response to a plea filed by BJP’s State Unit Secretary Vinoj P Selvam.

Describing the orders as “atrocious,” the Supreme Court directed the state not to summarily reject such permissions. The court emphasized that authorities should act in accordance with the law and not on oral instructions. It instructed the authorities to evaluate applications seeking permission for live telecasts and provide reasons for rejection if applicable.

Justice Datta said, “What kind of reasons are given for rejection? Can this be a reason that a particular community is a minority, so you won’t allow the procession? Can a reason be given that Hindus are a minority in some places so you will not allow it?”

“These reasons are atrocious. If this reason has to follow, no procession or ritual can happen across the state.”, he added.

During the hearing, senior counsel Dama Seshadri Naidu, representing the petitioner, argued that certain police orders imposed restrictions on the live-streaming and other religious functions of the ceremony in Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, expressed shock at the situation and urged the Supreme Court to send a strong message to the State Government that the Constitution applies to Tamil Nadu as well. Mehta said that nobody should be prevented from performing religious rituals and pointed out that LED screenings in temples are being halted in the state.

The bench scheduled the matter for further hearing on January 29.

(With ANI inputs)

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Last updated on: 19th February 2025