The Guruvayur Devaswom Board is contemplating legal action against a media professional for allegedly filming Vivek Kiran, son of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, at the Guruvayur Temple. This incident has raised concerns about privacy, media freedom, and compliance with court orders. The controversy revolves around a reported breach of a Kerala High Court directive that prohibits videography in specific areas of the temple complex.
Devaswom authorities have stated that the visuals were captured in violation of these restrictions and are evaluating the possibility of lodging a formal police complaint. Officials have labeled the incident as a significant oversight, underscoring the importance of adhering to court mandates and temple security regulations.
Vivek Kiran’s visit to the temple with his family was deemed private, as he is currently employed in the banking sector in the Middle East. Despite the presence of senior Devasom officials during the darshan, no prior intimation to the media was issued by the Devaswom Board. According to reports, a media professional at the temple premises recorded visuals during the visit, prompting security personnel to intervene based on the High Court’s prohibition and request the deletion of the footage.
The situation allegedly escalated into a verbal altercation and minor scuffle between the individual and temple staff. The Devaswom Board has emphasized that breaches of security protocols cannot be tolerated and that stringent action is necessary. A final decision on pursuing legal measures will be made during an upcoming board meeting.
Incidentally, visits by family members of top CPI-M leaders in Kerala to temples have previously garnered significant media attention. Notably, temple visits by the wives of late Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Vijayan had sparked considerable activity on social media in the past.
