Stating that the various Guru poojas observed in Tamil Nadu were generally used to exhibit supremacy of one community over the other, the Madras High Court directed the State government to “seriously consider” banning such celebrations that have led to loss of several lives and damage to public property.
Guru poojas are birth anniversary celebrations of community leaders in the Southern districts. Justice N Kirubakaran gave the ruling while dismissing a batch of writ petitions by groups seeking permission to travel from one district to another for a few poojas despite prohibitory orders. Justice Kirubakaran said it was very unfortunate that all leaders, except Mahatma Gandhi, have been identified with specific communities and are being reduced as “caste leaders”.