Chennai, July 3: The Madras High Court has ruled that a person cannot be denied recognition as a Hindu solely because of a foreign name or foreign citizenship. The court also observed that no certificate or formal ceremony is mandatory to accept or practise Hinduism.
The court passed the order while setting aside a decision of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department concerning American citizen Laura Frances Iyengar.
Madras High Court on Hindu Identity
The High Court quashed the department’s order that had described Laura Frances Iyengar as an American Christian woman and held that such an assumption based only on nationality was not justified.
The bench observed that individuals who sincerely practise Hinduism and follow the Hindu way of life can be recognised as Hindus. It said foreign citizenship or a foreign name alone cannot determine a person’s religious identity.
The court further directed that Laura Frances Iyengar be allowed the same worship and darshan rights available to Hindu women at the Thanjavur temple, subject to the applicable Agama Shastras and temple regulations.
The judgment also stated that foreign devotees who practise Hinduism should receive equal treatment in temples, provided they comply with the relevant religious traditions and temple rules.
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