“I Did Not Make Derogatory Remarks”: Sunny M. Kapikkad Expresses Regret Over Words Used in Controversial Speech on Sabarimala Deities; Case Registered
Pathanamthitta: Writer and Dalit activist Sunny M. Kapikkad has expressed regret over the words he used during a controversial speech concerning beliefs associated with Sabarimala. He clarified that he had not made any derogatory remarks against Lord Ayyappa, Malikappurathamma or devotees.
However, Kapikkad said he regretted the words used in the speech and admitted that he had not exercised sufficient caution while making the remark. He acknowledged that the particular word he used was inappropriate and should not have been used against anyone.
Kapikkad said his expression of regret was not made in the context of the police case registered against him. He added that he would continue to exercise greater caution while speaking on the issue.
He explained that his intention was to point out what he described as attempts to portray Lord Ayyappa as a problematic figure. He alleged that certain fraudulent activities, irregularities and conspiracies were taking place around temples. Kapikkad said he continued to stand by that opinion and would face the case through legal means.
The Tirur police had registered a case against Kapikkad following a complaint alleging that he had insulted Lord Ayyappa. Several organisations had also approached the police, condemning his remarks and seeking legal action.
Representatives of the Pandalam Palace, the Hindu Aikya Vedi Pandalam Municipality Committee, the Thiruvabharana Patha Protection Committee and the state committee of the Travancore Devaswom Employees Front were among those who sought action against him.
The Travancore Devaswom Employees Front (TDEF) on August 27 condemned what it described as the alleged failure of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to take action against Kapikkad over his alleged derogatory and obscene remarks concerning Lord Ayyappa and Malikappurathamma. The Front said the TDB, which has the legal and administrative responsibility for managing and protecting Devaswom institutions, including Sabarimala, had neither filed a police complaint nor registered an official protest over the remarks. It said the Board’s continued silence could be perceived as disregard for the sentiments of millions of devotees.
The organisation said it had already submitted complaints to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, the Home Minister, Devaswom Minister and State Police Chief. It urged the TDB to examine the complete video of the speech and its context and initiate appropriate legal action if any violation of law is established. The Front stressed that its demand was for action strictly through lawful means, without causing inconvenience to devotees or creating social unrest. It also called on the TDB to convene an urgent meeting, take necessary legal action and publicly state its official position on the matter.
Swami Sachidananda, president of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust at Sivagiri, called on Kapikkad to withdraw his remarks about Lord Ayyappa, saying they had hurt the faith and sentiments of millions of devotees who worship the deity as a manifestation of God.
He said it was the responsibility of individuals to take into consideration the beliefs and sentiments of others while expressing their opinions. Swami Sachidananda said Kapikkad had the freedom to be religious or non-religious, to believe in God or reject such beliefs, and to hold any particular social or ideological position. However, he said such freedom should not be exercised in a manner that questions the traditional beliefs of devotees or causes them emotional pain.
Dr B. Radhakrishnan, chairman of Viswakarma Aikyavedi, also demanded legal action against Kapikkad over what he described as obscene remarks concerning Lord Ayyappa and Malikappurathamma. The organisation has submitted complaints to the Chief Minister, Home Minister, Director General of Police and Thiruvananthapuram Police Commissioner seeking action against Kapikkad.