Hinduism is a way of life: SC

RAKESH BHATNAGAR,TNN | Apr 25, 2005, 10.31 AM IST

Source: http://timesondia.indiatimes.com/india/Hinduism-is-a-way-of-life-SC/articleshow/
1087322.cms

he term "Hindu" has been hotly debated for a long time, but a rm denition 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 qualied 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 dened. 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 dened 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.

Source: http://timesondia.indiatimes.com/india/Hinduism-is-a-way-of-life-SC/articleshow/
1087322.cms