Supreme Court Issues Notice To Tamil Nadu Government Over Alleged Ban On Ram Mandir Live Telecast

The Supreme Court of India issued a notice on Monday to the Tamil Nadu government in response to a plea claiming that the state had imposed a ban on the live telecast of the "Pran Prathishta" ceremony of Lord Ram at Ayodhya in temples across Tamil Nadu. The state government, however, vehemently denied any such restrictions, labelling the plea as politically motivated.

The controversy unfolded when a plea was filed in the Supreme Court against the Tamil Nadu government's alleged order, accusing it of banning the live telecast of the "Pran Prathishta" ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The apex court responded by stating, "Permission can't be rejected on the sole ground that other communities are living in the locality. This is a homogenous society; do not prevent only on this ground."

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, further intensified the situation on Sunday by accusing the MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government of anti-Hindu actions. She took to social media to express her concerns, stating, "Tamil Nadu government has banned watching the live telecast of Ayodhya Ram Mandir programs of January 22. In Tamil Nadu, there are over 200 temples for Shri Ram. In HR and CE-managed temples, no puja, bhajan, prasadam, or annadanam in the name of Shri Ram is allowed."

Sitharaman also alleged that police were hindering privately held temples from organizing events, threatening organizers with the removal of pandals. The state administration promptly refuted these claims, dismissing them as "false news with ulterior motives."

As the controversy unfolded, the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony of Ram Lalla was scheduled to take place today morning in Ayodhya, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries in attendance. Security measures were significantly heightened in the temple town, with Rapid Action Force personnel strategically deployed, police conducting boat patrols on the Sarayu River, and anti-bomb squads stationed at Ayodhya's Maharishi Valmiki International Airport.

The airport witnessed thorough security checks on vehicles and individuals, allowing entry only to those with valid passes.

The Tamil Nadu government, while denying the alleged ban on live telecast, poojas, archanas, annadhanasm, and bhajans related to the "Pran Prathishta," asserted that the plea before the Supreme Court was driven by political motives. The court's response emphasized the importance of not rejecting permission based solely on the diversity of the local population.

The heated exchange between the central government leaders and the Tamil Nadu administration raises concerns about the politicization of religious events. Accusations of anti-Hindu actions and suppression of religious practices have become a focal point in the broader debate on secularism and the protection of cultural and religious rights.