The petitioner in the case, MS Manivannan, told the Press Trust of India that milk wasted by fans could instead be distributed among the poor.
Highlights
- Notice asks him to advise fans not to "propitiate milk on cut-outs"
- Fans perform ritual involving pouring of milk before his film release
- 'So much milk wasted could be given to poor children', argued petitioner
Superstar Rajinikanth has been asked by a court to advise his fans not to pour milk on his banners and cutouts "in the interest of justice and equity."
A civil court in Bengaluru sent notice on Saturday to the actor on a petition by a social activist who argues that much milk is wasted by Rajinikanth fans.
The court also ordered fans not to put up any billboards or cut-outs and "propitiate" them with milk before he was to receive the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second highest civilian award, on Monday.
The milk-pouring tradition or "Paal Abhishekam" is popular among Rajinikanth fans when his films are released.
The 65-year-old southern megastar, whose popularity stretches across India, was among 56 people who received the Padma awards at a function at the President's House in Delhi.
The petitioner in the case, MS Manivannan, told the Press Trust of India that milk wasted by fans could instead be distributed among the poor.
"A lot of children are malnourished because of poverty in this country, they should be given that milk. Rajinikanth should ask his fans not to waste milk," Mr Manivannan said.