Kerala HC Objects To Use Of Name 'Kodathi Vilakku' For Event At Guruvayur Temple, Advises Judicial Officers Against Organizing Event

The Kerala High Court has issued an official memorandum thereby advising the Judicial Officers in Thrissur District not to actively involve themselves in the organizing of the 'Kodathi Vilakku' event at Guruvayur Temple.

The Court has said that the use of the name 'Kodathi Vilakku' is unacceptable as it gives an impression that the Courts are in some way connected with the organizing of the event.

 As per the memorandum, the same has been issued based on the instructions from Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar, the Kerala High Court Judge in charge of Thrissur District where the Guruvayur Temple is situated.

"It has come to the notice of the High Court that an event under the banner of 'Kodathi Vilakku' is being hosted annually at the Guruvayur Temple by an organizing committee comprising inter alia of members of the Chavakkad Munsiff Court Bar Association. While there can be no objection to the members of the Bar Association organizing such events, either individually or collectively, the use of the name 'Kodathi Vilakku' is unacceptable for it gives the impression that the courts in our state are in some way connected with the organization of the event.", the official memorandum dated November 1, 2022 read.

The Court has further stated that as secular institutions under the Constitution, Court cannot engage in activities that promote any particular religion.

"As secular democratic institutions under the Constitutions, the Court cannot be seen engaging in activities that promote any particular religion. Accordingly while steps are being explored to prevent the organizers of the event from using the name 'Kodathi Vilakku' in future, the Judicial Officers in Thrissur Judicial district are advised not to actively involve themselves in the organizing of the said event, either by consenting to be a part of the organizing committee or in any other manner. They shall also not feel compelled or obliged to attend the event.", the official memorandum issued by Kerala High Court read.

As per reports, 'Kodathi Vilakku' (Court Lamp) is a ritual that is being held in the famous Guruvayur Temple for about 100 years. It is organised by the Chavakkad Bar Association as a part of Ekadashi celebrations of the Temple and both members of the bar and judicial officers of Chavvakkad Courts and other courts nearby participate in the event.   

Click here to read/download the Official Memorandum