Kerala: Order to ban RSS shakas unlikely before Onam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The proposed order banning physical drill and arms training in religious places is unlikely to be issued before Onam, according to top government sources. Since the government wants to come out with a comprehensive order which could stand legal scrutiny, it wants to include strict provisions. With the BJP and Sangh Parivar organisations strongly opposing the move, the government does not want to take any chances. The minister's office wants to come out with a foolproof  order.

The government is of the view that such activities are prohibited under Section 73 of Kerala Police Act: Regulation of Physical training. The Act says “no person shall impart or organise any physical training which involves method of exercises regarding an attack or self defence to the public or any person or persons or to participate therein except in accordance with the provisions in the permit given for this by an authority.”

It further specifies that no person shall permit any person who does not possess valid permission for using any building or premises owned or possessed by him, for conducting such physical training. Some of the provisions of the Central government's “The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988” which specifically prohibits arms training and storing of arms in religions places, will also be part of the order. Meanwhile, Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran on Saturday said there was no question of allowing physical drill and arms training in the name of shakha in temple premises.

The minister said an order banning such activities in religious places will be issued soon. “Earlier the RSS and BJP denied organising such activities in temples. But later they talked about strengthening these activities. I don't know whether any temple authority has permitted them to carry out such activities on their premises,” he said. Mr Kadakampally said the government was firm on banning physical training, arms training and mass drill by any organisation in religious places.

“If they want to hold such activities let them do it strictly abiding by law, in areas other than temples. They can find alternative space,” he added. The minister had earlier stated that he had received complaints about misuse of temple premises by RSS for conducting alleged arms training and physical drill.   The minister has pointed out that even the High Court had spoken strongly against the misuse of religious places for such activities.