Avoid participation in guru poojas: HC to politicians

The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court today suggested political leaders avoid participating in "guru poojas" ((held to mark the anniversary of community leaders) in the interest of general public and directed the government to be careful in recognising new poojas as they would affect peace and tranquility.
Justice N Kirubakaran made the observation while disposing of a petition seeking permission to observe the death anniversary of former DMK MLA Kathar Batcha, alias Vellaisamy, at Melaramanathi village in Ramanathapuram district.
"Political leaders must remember that they are only doing a service to the people and in the interest of public at large if they avoided guru pooja. This court expects that political leaders rise above the political consideration and avoid visiting such places," he said.

The Judge directed the government to be careful while recognising any new guru poojas, otherwise, there will be a scramble for recognition.
Petitioner K V Muthuramalingam approached the court seeking permission and protection for observance of the second death anniversary of his father, who was murdered by a member of another community, at his memorial after the permission was denied by police citing potential law and order problem.
Stating that the plea of the petitioner had all ingredients of guru pooja or potential of guru pooja, the Judge expressed his anguish and said "enough is enough. What has been suffered by the people of Tamil Nadu is too much in the name of guru poojas," he said.

It was known that southern districts were communally very sensitive and particularly Kamuthi area was very sensitive as seen from the past events that took place, he noted.

"If more and more celebrations are in the offing, it will definitely affect peace and tranquility in the state. Hence, these attempts have to be nipped in the bud itself with an iron hand," the Judge said.
Police submitted the petitioner's father belonged to a certain community and was murdered by another community person and the case is pending trial.
In this situation, if people gather during the anniversary, police would not be in a position to control the crowd and there is likelihood of breach of peace.