Person Belonging To Another Religion Can't Be Prevented From Entering Temple If He Has Faith In That Hindu Deity : Madras High Court

The petition was filed by one C. Soman in light of an invitation circulated for the conduct of Kumbabishegam festival wherein the name of a Minister who is a Christian also finds mention.

Justice PN Prakash and Justice R Hemalatha approached the issue with a broader prospective. The court even went on to give examples of temples playing songs rendered by Dr. KJ Yesudas, a Christian by birth and how Hindu Worshippers visited Vailankanni Church and Nagore Dargah regularly.

Additionally, the court also pointed out that when such a public function like the Kumbhabhishegam of a temple is performed, it would be impossible for the authorities to check the religious identity of every person to permit entry into the temple.

In light of the same, the court dismissed the petition as being devoid of merits.

The Court said :

"In our considered opinion, 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 entry into the temple. That apart, if a person belonging to another religion, has faith in a particular Hindu deity, that 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. In fact, in Nagore Dargah and Vailankanni Church, scores of Hindus worship"

Case Title: C.Soman v. The Secretary, HR&CE and others

Case No: W.P.(MD) No.14081 of 2022

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Mad) 291

Counsel for the Petitioner: Mr.S.Murugapandi

Counsel for the Respondent: Mr.Veera Kathiravan, Addl. Advocate General Mr. M.Lingadurai, Spl. Government Pleader for R1 to R3, Mr.K.Sathiya Singh for R4