On Communist-run Mandirs and Hinduism

[Guest guest]

SC: Hinduism is a way of life

RAKESH BHATNAGAR

"The managing committee must consist of members who believe in idol

worship and all religious practices, which are practiced in a Hindu

temple."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1087322,curpg-

1.cms

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2005 10:31:46 AM ]

 

The term "Hindu" has been hotly debated for a long time, but a firm

definition has proved to be elusive.

 

 

In an order sometime back, the Supreme Court had ruled "Hinduism is a

way of life".

 

But, when Marxist ministers in Kerala were authorised under the law

to appoint members to the managing committee of the Devasam temple,

the decision was challenged.

 

The petitioners argued since Communists are non-believers they cannot

participate in the administration of a temple, even indirectly.

 

It was argued that Communists are not qualified to run a temple,

which is run by the statutory governing body under the Guruvayoor

Devasam Act.

 

It would be a travesty of culture and decency if secularism is

understood as a way of life only of those who strongly believe in a

particular religion.

 

Like religion, administration of a place of worship is...

 

also a secular act.

 

"The word Hindu is not defined. A Hindu admittedly may or may not be

a person professing Hindu religion or a believer in temple worship.

 

 

A Hindu has the right to choose his own method of worship. He may or

may not visit a temple.

 

He may have a political compulsion for not openly proclaiming that he

believes in temple worship," said Justice HK Sema and SB Sinha, while

upholding a Kerala High Court judgment that differentiated between a

secular act and an act of religion.

 

"Idol worship, rituals and ceremonials may not be practiced by a

person although he may profess Hindu religion," the apex court said.

 

The state cannot interfere with people's freedom to profess, practice

and propagate religion. The state cannot have a religion . It cannot

promote or destroy any religion.

 

That's how secularism is defined in legal terms, though perceptions

may differ.

 

The power vested in the Cabinet to nominate members to the managing

committee of a temple is a statutory power to promote a secular act

of managing the temple.

 

The managing committee must consist of members who believe in idol

worship and all religious practices, which are practiced in a Hindu

temple.

 

Both the powers draw support from the Constitution, which is secular

in character.