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In its petition, the board pointed out that Students’ Corner, Nehru Mandapam, Labour Corner and Vivekananda Square were historically significant locations where eminent personalities, including Prime Ministers, had delivered speeches during their visits to Thrissur in 1952 and 1982. Rejecting this contention, the court noted that Section 3 of the Act prohibits religious institutions from using any of their premises for the promotion or propagation of political activity. Section 2(f) defines a religious institution as an institution for the promotion of any religion, including any place or premises used for public religious worship.
The board is free to exercise its discretion and take appropriate decisions in such matters, the court said. In view of the statutory prohibition, the board could not contend that the Act was inapplicable to Thekkinkadu Maidan, the bench observed.
Kochi: The high court has clarified that its earlier orders did not prohibit visits by eminent dignitaries, including Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers, or their public addresses at Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur. The board had sought a review of the court’s earlier directives in petitions concerning the allotment of Thekkinkadu Maidan for functions and celebrations organised by various departments and other stakeholders. The bench clarified that its earlier order had only laid down a general guideline that places of religious worship should be kept serene and free from political activities, protests and demonstrations, in keeping with the provisions of the Act.