'Offends Hindu sentiment': Kerala HC slams police inaction after man puts pubic hair in Thulasithara

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the police to take action against Abdul Hakkim, who is accused of defaming a Hindu tradition by allegedly plucking hair from his private parts and placing it in a Thulasithara.

A Thulasithara is a sacred structure commonly found in front of Hindu homes, where a basil (tulsi) plant is worshipped.

The matter reached the court after Sreeraj, who was arrested for sharing a video of the incident on Facebook and Instagram, sought bail. The video allegedly showed Hakkim insulting the Thulasithara.

A case was registered against Sreeraj on the grounds that Hakkim, who is claimed to be mentally ill, was promoting religious enmity through the act. However, the Court noted that no action had been taken against Hakkim and questioned why a case had not been registered against him.

Court questions mental health claims
"The Thulasithara is a sacred place in the Hindu religion. In the video, Abdul Hakkim can be seen plucking hairs from his private parts and placing them in the Thulasithara. This act undoubtedly offends the religious sentiments of Hindus. It appears that no case has been registered against Abdul Hakkim," the Court observed.

The Court also raised doubts about Hakkim’s mental health status, highlighting that he owns a hotel near the Guruvayoor Temple and holds a valid driving licence.

"If he is mentally ill, how is he allowed to operate a hotel within the premises of the Guruvayoor Temple? Furthermore, if he possesses a driving licence, the investigating officer must also examine how a mentally ill person is permitted to drive," the Court stated.

Court grants bail, orders police action
Sreeraj argued that he merely shared a video already available on social media and pointed out that no action had been taken against the person who performed the act.

The High Court then granted bail to Sreeraj while instructing the police to take appropriate action against Hakkim in accordance with the law.

With IANS inputs