In a recent development, the Kerala High Court has upheld the decision of the Cochin Devaswom Board (CBD) to prohibit film shoots on the ‘kshethra maidanam’ (temple ground) of the Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. The court, in a ruling issued on Wednesday, rejected a film producer’s plea that contested the board’s refusal to grant permission for shooting a movie using a ‘helicam’ on the temple grounds.
A division bench, led by Justice Anil K Narendran, emphasized that allowing film shooting in the parking area or near the temple’s access roads would impede or regulate the movement of devotees. Therefore, the CBD is not authorized to permit such activities on the temple grounds, as per the court’s observations. The bench also pointed out that despite previous directives from the High Court, the CBD has encountered difficulties in maintaining the maidan free from plastic waste and ensuring that activities in the sanctioned areas of the temple ground do not disrupt the temple’s religious rituals. In light of these considerations, the court found no basis to interfere with the devaswom commissioner’s rejection of the petitioner’s request.
The film producer had argued that the movie’s storyline was centered around the temple and that filming on the temple grounds was crucial to capturing the temple’s essence. Nevertheless, the CBD had denied permission, citing concerns about obstructing the movement of devotees during the filming of the movie.
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