Follow the rituals and practices of a temple or stay out, says Supreme Court
GS1History · Society · Geography· Art, architecture & culture· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Supreme Court ruled that devotees must adhere to the specific traditions and practices of a temple's sampradaya to worship there.
Background
The Supreme Court emphasized that religious denominations should be interpreted through the lens of sampradayas, which are characterized by shared theological understanding and community adherence. The court noted that temple management and conduct are protected as a manifestation of the right to practice religion.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TSampradaya: Defined in the ruling as a shared theological understanding and community adherence to worship practices.
- FactThe 2018 Sabarimala judgment lifted restrictions on women of menstruating age.
- PostChief Justice Surya Kant presided over the ruling regarding temple rituals.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the balance between individual fundamental rights and the preservation of religious sampradayas in the context of temple management in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Constitutional conflict: Balancing Article 25's individual freedom with the collective right of religious denominations to maintain traditions.
- Judicial interpretation: The 'sampradaya test' as a criterion for determining the scope of religious practice and restrictions.
Keywords: Sampradaya · Religious Denominations · Article 25 · Right to Practice · Judicial Review
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