Madras High Court slams guru pooja celebrations in Tamil Nadu

Justice N. Kirubakaran, who heard a petition seeking to quash the order of the police denying permission for observing the anniversary of a late DMK functionary for two days at his memorial in Ramanathapuram district, said the guru poojas celebrated in the state are of no use to society.

He ruled that the Tamil Nadu government should not, hereafter, grant permission for organising guru pooja events in the interest of society. Alcohol consumption, he noted, is the main reason behind the problems that crop up in such events.

Pointing out that the Madras high court had already laid a condition that Tasmac shops should remain closed two days prior to and after the guru poojas, the judge said the order should be followed in letter and spirit.

The anniversary celebrations, he said, are given importance because of the participation of political leaders and advised them against going to the places where the celebrations take place in public interest.

Justice Kirubakaran said the court expects the political leaders to accept the court’s appeal and act accordingly considering public welfare. He also reminded the political parties that their responsibility was to serve the people.

He further said, “It is enough. The court is aware that people of Tamil Nadu are made to suffer in the name of guru poojas. If these celebrations continued, peace and tranquillity in the state would be disturbed. The attempts to get permission for new guru pooja events should be nipped in the bud.”

The petition was filed by K.V. Ramalingam, son of Kadher Batcha alias Vellaichamy, former DMK MLA of Mudhukulathur constituency, who was murdered at home on August 31, 2012. A memorial has been raised for him at Kavadipattu village. A petition was submitted to the police seeking permission to organise events at the memorial on his second death anniversary.