The Madras High Court recently observed that if a person belonging to another religion has faith in a particular Hindu deity, then he cannot be prevented entry into that deity’s temple [C Soman v. Secretary, Hindu Religious Charitable Department and Others].
A Division Bench of Justices PN Prakash and R Hemalatha observed the same in a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking direction that the non-Hindus should not be permitted to participate in the Kumbabishegam festival of Arulmighu Adikesava Perumal Thirukovil at Thiruvattar.
The petition was preferred by one C Soman as a result of an invitation for the conduct of Kumbabishegam festival, wherein, the name of a Minister, who is said to be a Christian, found a place.
While dealing with the issue, the Court highlighted how even the devotional songs of Dr KJ Yesudas, a Christian by birth, rendered on various Hindu Gods are played without any demur in temples such as in Nagore Dargah and Velankanni Church.
Moreover, it was also observed that when a public festival like the Kumababishegam of a temple is performed, it will be impossible for the authorities to check the religious identity of every devotee for the purpose of permitting his entry into the temple.
In this backdrop, the Court observed:
“In our considered opinion, when a public festival like the Kumababishegam of a temple is performed, it will be impossible for the authorities to check the religious identity of every devotee for the purpose of permitting his entry into the temple. That apart, if a person belonging to another religion, has faith in a particular Hindu deity, that cannot be prevented nor can his entry into a temple be prohibited.”
Consequently, the Court dismissed the petition.
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