A political controversy has erupted in Kerala surrounding the marriage of a young woman, who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, to a Muslim man at a temple. Claims that she was underage at the time of the marriage have led to investigations and accusations of political motives.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan defends a Kerala temple marriage involving a young woman and her Muslim friend, amidst allegations of underage marriage and criticism from the Sangh Parivar. An investigation has been launched in Madhya Pradesh following claims about the woman's age.
The Kerala High Court has stated that laws and regulations should serve as a unifying force between religions and communities, not create discord. The observation came while dismissing a plea against the entry of Christian priests into a Hindu temple.
A Kerala court has requested a report from Madhya Pradesh Police regarding allegations of an underage marriage involving a woman who gained attention during the Kumbh Mela and later married her friend at a Kerala temple.
Delhi Police have arrested a 44-year-old man, identified as Mohit Sharma, who is alleged to be the kingpin of an inter-state temple theft operation. Sharma, wanted in multiple cases across Punjab, Kerala, and Karnataka, specialised in stealing silver idols and donation articles from temples.
A nursing assistant in Kerala has been booked for allegedly exposing himself at a local temple and attempting suicide when confronted by temple authorities. He is currently in the ICU after undergoing surgery for self-inflicted wounds.
An employee of the famed Koodalmanikyam temple in Kerala has resigned, citing personal reasons, following allegations of caste discrimination. Balu, a member of the Ezhava community, was recruited for 'kazhakam' duties, which involve preparing garlands and performing ceremonial chores. The resignation has sparked controversy, with the Devaswom Minister assuring support for Balu and criticizing the temple's 'tantries' for their stance. The temple has two 'Kazhakam' positions, one appointed by the 'tantries' and the other filled according to the Acts and Regulations.
The Supreme Court observed that Hinduism is a way of life, stating that mandatory temple visits or rituals are not necessary to be considered a Hindu; even lighting a lamp at home suffices.
Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan visited senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, emphasising their close relationship and seeking blessings for his new role.
The display of RSS founder KB Hedgewar's portraits during a temple festival in Kollam district has sparked controversy in Kerala, prompting the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to request a report from its vigilance wing. The images of Hedgewar were reportedly displayed along with the photos of prominent social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru and B R Ambedkar during Kollam Pooram festival here on Tuesday night. TDB sources said the management of Puthiyakavu Temple, a local shrine in the district which does not come under its ambit, is allegedly responsible for the showcasing of the images of the RSS leader during the "kudamattam" as part of the Pooram festivities.
An FIR under the POCSO Act has been lodged against four persons, including a VHP leader and a film director, based on a complaint by a girl who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela and later married a Muslim man in Kerala.
The Supreme Court questioned the chief priest of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple regarding the constitutionality of preventing believers from touching the deity, during hearings on discrimination against women at religious sites.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to dissolve the advisory committee of a temple in the Kollam district where the RSS 'Gana Geetham' (prayer song) was sung during a musical concert.
Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.
Rahul Gandhi accuses Narendra Modi of remaining silent on the Sabarimala issue to protect the interests of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, alleging a hidden alliance between the BJP and LDF.
Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar has pledged full support and legal assistance to party councillor Sugathan, who was dramatically arrested in Thiruvananthapuram. The BJP alleges political vendetta and misuse of the police system, while police claim they fired in the air during the arrest due to BJP supporters.
The Supreme Court of India has emphasised the importance of open access to all temples and 'maths' for everyone, warning that excluding any denomination would negatively impact Hinduism and divide society. This statement was made during hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.
Madhya Pradesh Police are in Kochi investigating the marriage of a young woman and a Muslim man, amid claims she is underage and seeking police protection.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified the UDF's campaign for the Kerala polls, accusing the CPI(M) of stealing gold from the Sabarimala temple and questioning PM Modi's silence on the issue. He also addressed concerns about rubber prices and the FCRA amendments.
BJP councillor Sugathan was arrested in Thiruvananthapuram under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) after the Kerala High Court denied him anticipatory bail. The arrest involved police firing in the air to disperse a crowd obstructing the process, leading to new charges against Sugathan for assaulting officers. His family, however, alleges police used excessive force.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the Kerala government of protecting CPI(M) leaders allegedly involved in the Sabarimala temple gold loss case and failing to address other issues related to the temple.
A BJP councillor, Sugathan, was arrested in Thiruvananthapuram under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) after police fired into the air to disperse a crowd obstructing the arrest. His family denies allegations and accuses police of excessive force.
A BJP councillor, Sugathan, was arrested in Thiruvananthapuram under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) after police fired into the air to disperse a crowd obstructing the arrest. His family denies allegations and accuses police of excessive force.
Hundreds of people were captivated by watching the auspicious Theyyam ritual at the Veerarkavu Temple in the Kasaragod district of Kerala when a thundering explosion and a ball of fire shattered the serene atmosphere around midnight.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has responded to Rahul Gandhi's criticism regarding the Sabarimala gold loss case, questioning Gandhi's connections to the accused and accusing him of political opportunism.
Two young men and their families have filed a complaint alleging physical assault and verbal abuse by police in Thottapally, Kerala. The complaint alleges that police officers hit their motorcycle, assaulted them, and accused them of theft.
The tragic hotel fire at Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, that killled 21, once more puts into focus India's high loss of life due to fires.
Three police officers were injured in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, following a clash between BJP and CPI(M) workers over a property dispute. Police have registered cases against workers from both parties and have taken several into custody, leading to further protests.
Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, married her Muslim friend in Kerala after seeking police protection from family pressure. The couple cited Kerala's support for interfaith relationships as their reason for choosing the state.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of aligning with forces that attack minorities, during election rallies in Kerala. He also criticised the CM on other issues including alleged corruption and economic failures.
Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, sought police protection in Thiruvananthapuram to stay with her boyfriend and marry him, alleging her father was trying to forcibly take her back home.
An elephant ran amok in a residential area of Thrissur, Kerala, causing damage to vehicles and property and creating panic among residents before being subdued by its mahouts.
Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan met with senior Congress leader K C Venugopal to address reports of internal discord, as discussions surrounding the formation of the new cabinet continue.
A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has reserved its order on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom.
Three elderly people died in a stampede caused by two elephants becoming agitated after crackers were burst during a festival at the Manakulangara Temple near Koyilandy, Kerala. The elephants ran towards a building, causing a wall to collapse and trapping people. The stampede also resulted in around 20 people suffering minor injuries. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences, and investigations are underway to determine if there were any violations of elephant management rules.
Basant Panchami is dedicated to Devi Saraswati, the goddess of learning and an auspicious occasion to visit shrines in her honour.
A POCSO case has been filed against a VHP leader and a film director, among others, following a complaint by a girl who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela and later married a Muslim man in Kerala.
The Centre has supported the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple, arguing that the Supreme Court's 2018 judgement assumes male superiority.
A couple has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court alleging tampering of birth records and harassment following their interfaith marriage. They seek an independent probe into the matter.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), managing the Sabarimala temple, argued in the Supreme Court that religious beliefs should be judged subjectively by the community, as the court hears petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places.
