Political parties, Hindu groups divided over Kerala High Court ban on meetings at Thekkinkadu Maidan
Political parties and Hindu organizations in Kerala are divided over a High Court ban on political meetings at the Thekkinkadu Maidan. While political groups argue for the preservation of public space, religious organizations support the ruling to maintain temple sanctity.
Why it matters
The debate reflects the ongoing tension between secular public space usage and religious tradition in India.
Political parties and Hindu organisations took divergent positions on the Kerala High Court’s order banning political meetings at Thekkinkadu Maidan during an all-party meeting convened by the Cochin Devaswom Board on Saturday over the court verdict.
While the Congress, CPI(M), CPI, Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress factions, Forward Bloc and several other political parties argued that the iconic ground should continue to remain a public space, the BJP maintained that temple rituals should not be disrupted but a solution should be found to ensure a public place for people.
Most political parties called for the verdict to be challenged with an appeal, arguing that the order would have far-reaching implications for democratic gatherings and public life in Kerala.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in