The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the 500-year-old controversial rituals of “urulu seve” and “made snana” being performed at the Kukke Subramanya temple in Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.
A Bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and R. Banumathi, stayed the Karnataka High Court order allowing such rituals to continue. The Bench, acting on an appeal from the State of Karnataka, issued notices to the respondents seeking their reply. The rituals involve people rolling on the plantain leaves left by Brahmins after their meal during the annual jatra of the temple.
Senior counsel T.R. Andhyarujina, appearing for the State, said the rituals were against public order and morality and health. The people believe that all ailments would go if they performed the rituals. He stated that the rituals would be performed in three temples in the State, including the Subrahmanya temple on December 27, and it should be stopped.
Counsel for one of the respondents pleaded with the court to continue the practice, contending that it was being observed for over 500 years. Justice Lokur retorted that even untouchability was practised for over 500 years and it had now been abolished. The Bench then stayed the High Court order.
