Summary: The Madras High Court has ruled that non-Hindus who do not affirm reverence for the presiding deity or follow established temple customs cannot be allowed entry into Agamic kovils (temples). A division bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and P Murugan, hearing a public interest litigation by K Thangam Venkatesh seeking enforcement of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act, said such temples are not tourist destinations and their sanctity must be protected. The court cited Sections 10 and 24 of the HR&CE Act, and noted that sanctum access in Agamic temples is reserved for designated priests.
Why it matters: The ruling affirms that temple sanctity and Agama-based customs in Tamil Nadu are protected by law, which will bring relief to Hindus who often see temples treated as tourist sites. It also comes as the state's HR&CE framework is itself under scrutiny for how it governs Hindu temples.
“Agamic temples not tourist spots: Madras HC sets conditions for entry of non-Hindus” — India Today, 28 Oct 2026
The Madras High Court has ruled that non-Hindus who do not affirm reverence for the presiding deity or comply with established temple customs cannot be permitted to enter Agamic temples, stressing that their religious sanctity must be protected.
A division bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and P Murugan of the Madurai Bench passed the order on Tuesday while hearing a public interest litigation filed by K Thangam Venkatesh, which sought strict enforcement of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act and accountability for statutory violations.
The court made it clear that its ruling was confined to Agamic temples, which are built, consecrated and maintained according to the principles laid down in ancient Agama shastras…
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