Hyderabad, May 14: Supreme Court says temple visit not essential for Hindu faith while hearing petitions on religious practices and gender equality.
A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant made the observations on Wednesday. The court said Hinduism is a way of life and not limited to rituals.
The bench clarified that visiting temples is not mandatory. It said even simple acts like lighting a lamp at home can reflect faith.
The court made the remarks during hearings on petitions linked to the Sabarimala Temple issue and religious freedom. The case also involves practices followed by different communities.
Justice B V Nagarathna said Hinduism is described as a way of life. She added that strict rituals are not required to practice the faith.
The bench also cautioned against frequent challenges to religious customs. It noted that excessive litigation could lead to divisions within communities.
Senior advocate G Mohan Gopal argued that social justice demands are emerging within religious groups. The court heard arguments on the evolving nature of religious practices.
Earlier, in 2018, the Supreme Court had allowed entry of women into the Sabarimala temple. The ruling had declared the ban on women of certain age groups unconstitutional.
The Constitution Bench is now examining fresh petitions related to the issue. The hearings are ongoing.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
