THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From now on, local bodies can decide on the construction of places of worship in the state. The government has issued an order in this regard. Earlier, it was the responsibility of the District Collectors to issue NOCs.

According to the government, the local governments will be able to make decisions based on local sentiments regarding places of worship, and that the order will avoid technical delays for people to engage in their own beliefs. Although it was decided to issue an ordinance in this regard in the cabinet meeting held during the term of the previous Pinarayi government (February 10), it did not happen.

In 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that the construction of places of worship should be done impartially and fairly. Subsequently, on April 25, 2005, the State Home Department issued Order No. 217/05. The order stated that the Collector was tasked with the responsibility of taking decisions on the construction of places of worship to maintain religious harmony and avoid social conflict. Recently, Collectors had rejected applications received for illegal construction of places of worship in various parts of the state. Despite external interference, the collectors defended themselves by upholding the Supreme Court verdict and the Home Department order. Later, the issue came before the government.