PIL in Madras High Court seeks removal of Sai Baba idols in temples

A Public Interest Litigation has been filed before the Madras High Court seeking the removal of Shirdi Sai Baba idols from all temples, claiming that their installation was against the Agama traditions.

The petition wants the court to direct the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department to remove the idols from temples that are under its control directly or indirectly.

According to the Hindu newspaper, the plea was filed by D Sureshbabu from Coimbatore. The petitioner claimed that being a Saivite devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva, he was concerned with the increasing practice of installing Sai Baba white marble idols in many Hindu temples. He contended that this practice was against the Agama.

He pointed out that there were conflicting views about the parentage of Sai Baba, which meant poor old man/holy father/saintly father, and that even his real name was not known.

There was also no confirmation about his religious identity though he had many Muslim followers, he added.

"My prayer is that all idols of godmen, including Sai Baba, in temples under HR&CE should be removed. Private temples can do whatever they want. But can HR&CE temples have idols of godmen," the counsel for the petitioner argued, according to Bar and Bench outlet.

The petitioner also brought it to the notice of the court, that since the worship of Sai Baba was not restricted to the Hindu religion, those who administered places of worship dedicated to the saint claimed exemption from being brought under the control of the HR&CE Department.