Kerala HC to examine measures to enable access to wheelchair users inside temples
Last Updated on April 6, 2024 by News Desk
Recently, the Kerala High Court observed to examine the “feasibility of permitting persons who need to use wheelchairs to reach the sanctum sanctorum of temples so that they can get a proper darshan of the deity.”
The division bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and Harisankar V Menon took suo moto action based on a complaint made on 4th Feb 2024, seeking permission to allow wheelchairs inside the ‘Naalambalam’ of temples so that physically challenged devotees to have a proper darshan.
The complainant stated that the usage of a wheelchair is essential for her mobility due to her physical disability. She further stated that her father and husband had to lift her up on their shoulders to have proper darshan the deity. The complainant further requested to help such physically challenged people to reach the Sanctum Sanctorum so that the morale of the devotees is not discouraged by any means.
Therefore, the Court directed the Senior Government Pleader and the respective standing counsel of the Travancore Devaswom Board, Cochin Devaswom Board, Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and the Malabar Devaswom Board to file affidavits on the existing circumstances and to offer suggestions.
The court appointed Adv. V. Ramkumar Nambiar as amicus curiae.
The further matter is listed on May 20, 2024.
Written by Shagun Behal
