The Kerala High Court has prohibited birthday celebrations at Guruvayur Shree Krishna Temple, stating, “a temple is not a place for cutting birthday cake.”

Additionally, the court instructed the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and its Administrator to prevent vloggers from recording videos in the temple, emphasizing that the temple is designated as a "Special Security Zone."

It reiterated that videography unrelated to religious ceremonies, including marriage functions, is strictly forbidden.

A Division bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P.G. Ajithkumar, noted : “Every devotee has a right to exercise his right of worship in Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition of that temple,” emphasising that the right to worship shall be exercised without disturbing the sanctity of the temple.

The case originated from a writ petition filed by devotees P.P. Venugopal and Babitha Mol B. under Article 226 of the Constitution, seeking to bar non-Hindus—specifically a Muslim woman—from entering Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple premises, including the Nadapanthal, the temple's outer courtyard. The petitioners claimed the woman violated the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act, 1965, by entering the temple and engaging in activities that disrupted its sanctity. They presented video evidence of her cutting a birthday cake and arguing with devotees in the Nadapanthal, arguing that her actions breached temple customs and warranted strict enforcement of entry and behavior regulations.

The Standing Counsel for the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and the Government Pleader defended the temple’s practices but recognized the need for clearer security measures and customs. They cited the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act, 1965, as the framework for regulating entry and conduct.

Upon reviewing the evidence, including the video footage, the court stressed the importance of preserving the sanctity of Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, declaring that the Nadapanthal is not suitable for birthday celebrations.

The court referred to the Guruvayur Devaswom Act, 1978, noting that the Managing Committee is legally obligated to manage the temple and its properties diligently. It invoked its previous judgment in Suo Motu v. Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and others (2022), emphasizing the Committee’s duty to arrange for the proper performance of temple rites, adhering to established customs.

The court directed the Managing Committee to take immediate action against unauthorized videography in the Nadapanthal, particularly by vloggers or individuals following celebrities. It reiterated that the temple is designated as a "Special Security Zone," prohibiting videography in sensitive areas such as the eastern ‘Deepastambham’ (lamping area). The court instructed the Managing Committee to coordinate with its security team to ensure that no activities disrupt the experience of devotees, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

The next hearing is scheduled for October 18, 2024.