Legal Status of Temple Linked to ‘Subhash Tantri’ Must Be Examined: Gokulam Gopalan
Seeks probe into alleged black magic, rituals and other activities; says social media insults against Sree Narayana Guru are a challenge to the Sree Narayana community
Thiruvananthapuram: Gokulam Gopalan has said that he will submit a complaint to Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and the Home Department seeking legal action against a person identified as Subhash, a native of Thodupuzha, over alleged derogatory and defamatory remarks against Sree Narayana Guru on social media.
Gopalan said the alleged attempts to insult Sree Narayana Guru through social media cannot be dismissed as an ordinary social media controversy. According to him, such remarks amount to a direct challenge to the sentiments of the Sree Narayana community, which respects, worships and follows the teachings of the Guru.
“Insulting Sree Narayana Guru is not merely an insult to an individual. It amounts to questioning the dignity and sentiments of a large community that believes in his teachings and philosophy,” Gopalan said.
He identified the person allegedly involved as Subhash, who is known as “Subhash Tantri”, and called for a detailed examination of the allegations.
Sree Narayana Guru was a major social and spiritual reformer whose teachings challenged caste discrimination, social inequality and prevailing social practices. His philosophy emphasised human dignity, equality and social harmony.
Gopalan said it was particularly serious that allegations of derogatory remarks against the Guru had surfaced at a time when his teachings continue to be discussed and commemorated across Kerala and beyond.
He urged the state government, the Home Department and the appropriate investigating authorities to examine all available evidence relating to the alleged social media posts and determine whether any offence has been committed.
Call for probe into temple and alleged activities
Gopalan also demanded an examination of the legal status of the temple reportedly associated with Subhash Tantri, as well as allegations concerning activities allegedly taking place there.
He said the competent authorities should examine allegations relating to black magic, rituals, poojas and other activities reportedly conducted at the premises and verify whether the temple and its activities comply with applicable laws and regulations.
“If any illegal activity is found during the investigation, appropriate legal action should be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.
Gopalan stressed that the allegations should be examined through due legal and investigative procedures rather than through personal confrontation.
‘Guru belongs to all sections of society’
Gopalan said Sree Narayana Guru cannot be viewed as the spiritual leader of any single caste or community.
“The Guru worked for the uplift of humanity beyond caste, religion and social divisions. His vision belongs to the entire human community,” he said.
Referring to the 1924 All-Religion Conference at Aluva, Gopalan said the Guru’s vision was rooted in religious harmony and human unity.
He said attempts to demean the Guru through abusive language or defamatory campaigns should not be treated lightly, while emphasising that any response should remain within the framework of law and democracy.
“This is not a personal reaction against an individual. It is a demand for lawful action against alleged attempts to insult Sree Narayana Guru and hurt the sentiments of his followers,” Gopalan said.
‘Action should follow only after verification of allegations’
Gopalan called for a comprehensive examination of the allegations against Subhash and said that if any offence is established, action should be taken strictly in accordance with law.
He also appealed to the government to take the matter seriously and ensure that complaints concerning the alleged social media remarks and the temple-related allegations are properly examined by the competent authorities.
The demand comes as the V.D. Satheesan-led government is currently in office in Kerala.
“Neither violence nor confrontation is the answer. The response should be strong, but it must remain democratic and within the framework of law. The dignity of Sree Narayana Guru and the sentiments of the Sree Narayana community must be respected,” Gopalan said.
