A High Court (HC) ruling has set aside the order of a single judge firmly imposing a common code for dressing for the worshippers visiting temples in Tamil Nadu.
Keeping in mind that as judicial entities the courts are not ‘expected to adjudicate any matter academically,’ thereby not being entitled to controversies, the Madras High Court issued the verdict on Monday.
Back in November last year, Justice S. Vaidyanathan had imposed a certain dress code that directed “to enhance the spiritual ambience among devotees.” He had then directed the state government and various smaller religious organisations of Hindus to contemplate the strict implementation of the order.
The order included wearing ‘dhoti’ or pyjama or formal pants along with a suitable upper cloth for men, and saree (or even half saree), churidar with upper cloth for women and any fully-covered dress for children. The judgment immediately had led to chaos and debate in the State.
“Prescribing a dress code for the devotees worshipping in temples was not an issue which arose directly or indirectly in the petition. There was no prayer by the petitioner seeking the prescription of a dress code. The petition had practically become infructuous, as the main relief claimed was granted and that order had also been complied with.
Therefore, there was nothing in the petition to be further adjudicated” was stated by a high authority on the matter, in his statement to the media.
