Keralam government clarifies on circular that curbed uniformed personnel from attending religious ceremonies

The State government has filed an affidavit before the Kerala High Court, stating that police personnel cannot participate in religious rituals or ceremonies while wearing their official uniform, except in instances where such participation formed part of their official duty.

The affidavit further stated that a circular that prohibited police personnel from participating in religious ceremonies while in uniform, was not intended to prohibit the practice of any religion or to curtail the religious rights that the Constitution guaranteed.

The personnel shall continue to discharge all statutory duties in connection with festivals and religious events–including the maintenance of law and order, crowd management and traffic regulation, and all duties that the police traditionally performed. The circular did not interfere with the personal religious beliefs of police personnel, the affidavit said.