Shivani Gadhavi –
Published On: November 25, 2021 at 19:40 IST
On 24th November 2021 the Kerala High Court asked the Petitioner, who filed a petition against the use of ‘halal jaggery’ at the Sabarimala Temple, to clarify his understanding of the notion of Halal.
In the case SJR Kumar Vs Travancore Devaswam Board and Ors, the Kerala High Court asked the Petitioner to mention exactly what he is objecting to regarding the case.
The Court stated, “What is your understanding of this concept of halal, because you’ve said lots of things in your writ petition as well as in the reply affidavit. Before arguing against it, you must understand the concept.”
The petitioner S.J.R. Kumar, who asserts that he is the General Convenor of the Sabarimala Karma Samithi, stated that in the petition he objected to the use of ‘halal’ jaggery in the preparation of prasadam (food offerings) like aravana and appam. Kumar also asked for directions for “remedying the situation”.
S.J.R Kumar mentioned his understanding of ‘halal’ and stated, “…is particular to a community, pertaining to the rituals of a community and is made uttering verses from a holy text.”
The petitioner further argued that the use of ‘halal jaggery’ is illegal as it is made in accordance with the rules and customs of another religion and therefore its use in the preparation of prasadam for Lord Ayyapa, severely violates the norms of the Sabarimala Temple.