Members of the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam petitioned the District Collector Archana Patnaik to ban religious celebrations in Government offices in Coimbatore here on Monday.

M. Jeevanandham, the District Coordinator of the Association, alleged that according to a Government order issued on April 29, 1968, no ritual practice should be carried out in Government offices.

He added that if there was any such ritual carried out inside the campus of Government offices, strict actions should be taken against the person concerned under Rule 14(a) of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants Conduct Rules 1973.

“However, there are still idols in Government offices and religious festivals are also celebrated inside the offices,” he alleged.

He stated that such practices should be stopped and urged the District Administration to take severe action against those who involve in such unlawful activities.