Kerala High Court Closes Challenge to Police Temple-Ritual Circular After State Clarifies Uniform-Only Restriction

The Kerala High Court accepted the State’s clarification that police personnel are not barred from religious practice; the circular regulates participation in rituals while wearing official uniform.

Background

The challenged circular directed police personnel not to participate in religious functions, rituals or celebrations while wearing official uniform unless such participation formed part of authorised official duty.

The petitioner alleged violations of Articles 14, 25 and 29 and argued that the restriction interfered with religious freedom.

Court's reasoning

The State Police Chief told the Court that the circular neither prohibits the practice of any religion nor interferes with the administration of temples or other religious institutions.

Police personnel remain free to discharge festival-related official functions, including law-and-order, crowd-control, security, traffic and escort duties. The restriction was described as one aimed at discipline, institutional neutrality and the professional image of the police.

Result and practical significance

The Division Bench recorded the clarification and closed the writ petition.