HC directs authorities to implement dress code for devotees

Madurai, Dec 1: Madras High court today directed Tamil Nadu Government and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department to implement dress code for devotees coming to offer worship in temples to enhance spiritual ambiance.

Disposing a petition filed by one Rasu seeking police protection and permission for "Adal Paadal programme" (dance and music) at Sri Shenbaga Vinayagar temple in Tiruchirappalli district, Justice S Vaidyanathan said "we should dress for public worship in a way that is generally considered appropriate". Similarly, Islamic religion is very particular in following their dress code while entering mosque.

Therefore prescribing dress code for devotees coming to worship in temples of Tamil Nadu was inevitable so as to enhance the spiritual ambiance among devotees.

The judge said "the department should consider implementing the dress code as follows: for men dhoti or pyjamas with upper cloth or formal pants and shirts and for women saree or half saree with blouse, churidhars with upper cloth, for children any fully covered dress".

The judge said the dress code should be followed in temples from January 1, 2016 and the government is directed to take a decision on this issue as expeditiously as possible.

The judge however said there was no bar for fire service personnel, police and security guards wearing their respective uniforms. He also made it clear that there were certain temples like in Tiruchendur, where men are prohibited to wear upper cloth, while entering the temple for worship.

In such temples, the same procedure can be followed till a decision was arrived at by the government. The temples, which are not coming within the purview of the government, shall also strictly enforce their traditional dress code to create a righteous atmosphere for worshipping, the judge said.

PTI