'Secularism Doesn't Mean Exclusion Of Dharmic Activities': Karnataka High Court Quashes Denial Of Auditorium For Shankaracharya Jayanti
Underscoring that the greatness of Indian civilisation is intertwined with its dharmic and cultural activities, the Karnataka High Court has set aside Bengaluru West City Corporation's order refusing the use of the Yoga Auditorium at Sankey Park for Sri Shankaracharya Jayanti celebrations to be conducted by a Trust.The single judge bench of Justice M.I Arun observed in the order that...
Underscoring that the greatness of Indian civilisation is intertwined with its dharmic and cultural activities, the Karnataka High Court has set aside Bengaluru West City Corporation's order refusing the use of the Yoga Auditorium at Sankey Park for Sri Shankaracharya Jayanti celebrations to be conducted by a Trust.
The single judge bench of Justice M.I Arun observed in the order that the celebration of Indian culture, which is intertwined with Dharma, can never be considered as illegal or unconstitutional.
The request for using the auditorium on April 21 [ Shankaracharya Jayanti] was made by Malleswaram Brahmana Sabha Trust to the West City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority.
The Senior Assistant Horticulture Director of the West City Corporation had declined the request, stating that the Corporation's auditorium could not be used for Dharmic activities.
"Though India is a secular country, it does not mean that the Dharmic and cultural activities in the country cannot be entertained…. The greatness of Indian Civilization is intertwined with its Dharmic and cultural activities and removing it amounts to removing the soul from the country. The Constitution of India itself contains pictures of seal from the Indian civilisation, a Gurukul — an integral part of the Indian Education System, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Gautama Buddha, Mahavira Swami and the like”, the court opined.
The court said that Shankaracharya, who advocated the Advaita philosophy, is one of the most revered acharyas in India. The celebration of such a philosopher should be considered 'both dharmic as well as cultural', the court added.
The Corporation authorities argued that the auditorium is not generally given for religious or political activities. The use of the auditorium is restricted to yoga-related programs.
However, the Petitioner pointed that programs of private entities have been held at the auditorium periodically, which were not yoga-related. Similarly, no regulations or laws were placed by the Corporation indicating a ban on conducting 'dharmic activities' in the auditorium.
“…Under the circumstances, the impugned endorsement issued by respondent No.4 without there being any prohibition in terms of the Government policy or law is liable to be set aside. What is not prohibited is permitted”, the court accordingly held while disposing of the petition by setting aside the Corporation's endorsement.
The Court also clarified that the Trust has no vested right to claim the auditorium as 'a matter of right'. However, if the Trust satisfies the requisite criteria and the auditorium is available on the specified date, the respondent authorities would be required to consider the representation afresh in accordance with the law. The court also mandated a timeline of five days to decide upon the representation made by the Trust.
Case Title: Malleswaram Brahmana Sabha Trust (R) v. State of Karnataka & Ors.
Case No.: Writ Petition No. 10181 of 2026 (LB-BMP)