J Bagchi: someone is a worshipper of god X, and there are temples worshipping god X, in this situation, a particular temple has certain unique practises. Will that temple having unique practises workshipping god X would be defined as a denomination and thereby exclusive with its investment of practice?

Dhavan: what it will require is a group of workshippers that have an identity and commonality of purpose

J Bagchi: commonality is to the members of the denomination but exclusivity is in relation to other denomination. so exclusivity test should also be there to define the denomination

Dhavan: its very difficult sometimes when there is an overlap of denomination. this often happens in syncretic faith

J Sundresh: the right to have an association or a religious denomination is a recognised right under the constitution. for instance, workshippers of lord shiva despite commonality, they can have individual groups

J Nagarathna: that is where sampradya becomes relevant. normally in marriage when you go to see a bride, you ask the bride's family or groom's which sampradya do you belong? All are hindus but you wan tto know whether they are a shivate. they are saying denomination means the system of religious practices vis-a-vis the particular deity, that is sampradya and that is protected under article 26.

Dhavan: sampradya is an easier word to interpret than denomination or sect. because once you get into denomination, you are back into Irish.