Temple officials denied the allegations, claiming the change was made for administrative reasons.
Published Nov 18, 2025 | 3:57 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 18, 2025 | 3:57 PM
Elambangottu Kavu Shiva temple. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The dispute began after three Malayan brothers who had traditionally performed at the temple for over sixty years, were reportedly excluded last year. The family alleged caste-based discrimination and said they were pressured to give up their role, prompting them to file a police complaint.
A Kozhikode temple committee on Tuesday, 18 November, has reversed its earlier decision that had prevented members of the Malayan community from performing percussion at the Elambangottu Kavu Shiva temple in Vadakara.
The committee has now restored their decades-old role in the temple’s festival rituals.
The issue had reached the State SC/ST Commission, which asked the police to register a case and submit a report.
The Commission later informed the Kerala High Court that it had no objection to the community performing, after which the court directed that all rituals be carried out peacefully.
The dispute began after three Malayan brothers who had traditionally performed at the temple for over sixty years, were reportedly excluded last year.
The family alleged caste-based discrimination and said they were pressured to give up their role, prompting them to file a police complaint.
Temple officials denied the allegations, claiming the change was made for administrative reasons.
According to OnManorama report, in the complaint filed with the Director General of Police and the Kozhikode Rural District Police Commissioner, the family alleges that they were subjected to threats and social pressure, forcing one of them to sign a document under duress. The complaint cites offences under Sections 309 (extortion) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 3(1)(r) (public humiliation based on caste) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The Kerala High Court has also directed authorities to issue a notice to the respondents.
With the latest decision, the traditional percussionists have been reinstated, ending a year-long dispute.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
