Malayalam actor Dileep dropped from Kerala temple coupon inauguration amidst rising protests

Dileep dropped from Kerala temple coupon inauguration

Malayalam actor Dileep has been dropped from the coupon distribution programme at Kerala's Ernakulam Shiva Temple, following protests from the temple committee and also concerns raised by the Cochin Devaswom Board.

The decision came just hours before a scheduled event on Tuesday evening, 16 December.

As per India Today, Dileep had originally been invited to inaugurate the festival’s traditional coupon distribution by receiving the first coupon for the celebrations, which are set to begin on 23 January.

Notices had been issued and posters printed, announcing his participation.

However, as objections grew from within the temple administration committee and concerns were raised by the Cochin Devaswom Board, the organisers reconsidered.

After discussions, the committee decided that it would be best to step back from the original plan.

The timing of the decision is significant. It comes only days after Dileep was acquitted in the 2017 Malayalam actor abduction and sexual assault case, a verdict that has reopened emotional wounds and reignited debate across Kerala.

Although the court said that the prosecution did not prove his part in the conspiracy, six other defendants were found guilty of the assault.

The case still causes a lot of trouble for many people, and the responses to the verdict are still very emotional and split.

It was reported that among others by Mathrubhumi, that during the internal discussions, vehement protests were raised against the decision, which led the committee to place the temple's environment and the devotees' feelings as their first priority.

The Cochin Devaswom Board, which oversees the administration of the Ernakulam Shiva Temple, is also said to have expressed reservations, adding weight to the final decision.

With Dileep no longer part of the programme, the committee announced that the temple’s chief priest would receive the first coupon during the ceremony, which will go ahead as scheduled at 6.30 pm.

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All other festival preparations remain unchanged, and organisers have moved swiftly to update publicity materials and inform the public.

The annual festival at the Ernakulam Shiva Temple is a deeply cherished event for the community, rooted in tradition and collective participation.