Non-Hindus cannot be stopped from entering temples, rules Madras HC

The Madras High Court recently ruled that non-Hindus who have faith in a deity cannot be prevented from entering the temple or offering prayers to the deity.

The ruling came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking restrictions on entry of non-Hindus at the Kumbabishegam festival of Arulmighu Adikesava Perumal Thirukovil at Thiruvattar (Tamil Nadu).

One C Soman had filed the PIL in response to a Christian minister being invited for the Hindu festival.

The court stated 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 or her entry into the temple. The court also stated that if a person belonging to another religion, has faith in a particular Hindu deity, then that person cannot be prevented nor can his entry into a temple be prohibited. “It is common knowledge that the devotional songs of Dr K.J.Yesudas, a Christian by birth, rendered on various Hindu Gods are played without any demur in temples. Scores of Hindus worship in Nagore Dargah and Vailankanni Church,” the bench of Justice PN Prakash and Justice R Hemalatha argued.

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The HC stated that it has taken a “broader perspective” on the subject and found the PIL “devoid of merits”.

The court said it is not possible for authorities at any level to decide who is a Hindu and who is not during a religious festival. Besides, if a Christian has faith in a Hindu deity, then that person can’t be stopped from entering the temple.