A. ASHVATHAMAN Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Mr.A.Ashvathaman, a practising Advocate, has filed the instant writ petition, for a writ of mandamus, directing the respondents not to open the Hindu temples at mid-night for western new year celebrations.

(2.) Case of the petitioner is that even though there is lot of opposition from Hindu people and Hindu Institutions, the Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Chennai/the second respondent permit opening of Hindu temples at mid-night for western new year celebration. Hence the petitioner has come forward with the instant writ petition praying for the relief as stated supra.

(3.) Mr.A.Ashvathaman/Party-In-Person submitted that Hindu temples are constructed under "Hindu Aagama Rule". According to the petitioner, as per Aagama Rule, temple should be closed around 9 p.m., every day, after solemnising the "Arthajama pooja" and it should be opened between 4.30 a.m., and 6.00 a.m., which is called as Brahma Muhurtham. The abovesaid "Aagamangal" state that "Saiva and Vainava temples" are opened at night times only during "Mahasivarathiri" and "Vaikunda Egathesi", respectively. Lot of scientific reasons are there, behind those "Agamangal", which insist that temples should be opened only after sunrise.