Court Suggests Limited Access for Symbolic Prayers to Respect Previous Judicial Order
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, presided over by Justice G.R. Swaminathan, addressed a contempt of court case involving the District Collector of Madurai, K.J. Praveenkumar IAS, and others, on March 2, 2026. The case emerged from a prohibitory order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which allegedly obstructed the implementation of a prior High Court directive concerning the management of the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple.
Justice Swaminathan emphasized the importance of respecting court orders, suggesting that symbolic prayers by a small group could be a viable solution. This proposal aims to honor the court's previous judgment without causing a law and order disruption. The court recommended that five individuals, selected by the court, be allowed to perform prayers at a designated location for 15 minutes as a mark of respect for the judicial directive.
The prohibitory order by the District Collector was intended to prevent any potential disturbances in the temple area. However, it inadvertently impeded the execution of the court's earlier directive regarding temple management, as the police cited the Collector's order to resist the court's implementation.
Justice Swaminathan has requested the appearance of key police and temple officials at the next hearing scheduled for March 4, 2026. The court has called for the presence of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police, the jurisdictional Assistant Commissioner of Police, the Inspector of Police, the current trustees of the temple, and the Executive Officer to ensure compliance with the court's suggestions and orders.
The court's innovative approach seeks to balance maintaining law and order with upholding the sanctity of its judgments, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between legal directives and public administration.
Bottom Line:
Contempt of Court - District Collector's prohibitory order under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS, 2023) resulted in frustration of High Court's previous judgment regarding temple management directives. Court suggested symbolic prayers to be allowed with restrictions to uphold respect for its orders.
Statutory provision(s): Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Rama.Ravikumar v. K.J. Praveenkumar IAS, (Madras)(Madurai Bench) : Law Finder Doc id # 2860631
