If a person from another religion believes in a particular Hindu deity, he cannot be denied entry into the temple of that deity

Case: C Soman v. Secretary, Hindu Religious Charitable Department and Others

Bench: Justices PN Prakash and R Hemalatha

The Madras High Court recently ruled that if a person belonging to another religion believes in a particular Hindu deity, then he cannot be denied entry into the temple of that deity. 

The bench made the above observations in a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking a court order prohibiting non-Hindus from participating in the Kumbabishegam festival of Arulmighu Adikesava Perumal Thirukovil at Thiruvattar.

The PIL was preferred by one C Soman as a result of an invitation for the conduct of the festival, wherein, the name of a Christian Minister found a place.

While dealing with the issue, the bench stressed how even devotional songs by Dr KJ Yesudas, a Christian by birth, are played without any hesitation in temples such as Nagore Dargah and Velankanni Church.

The Court dismissed the petition stating that it would be impossible for the authorities to check the religious identity of every devotee to allow them to enter into the temple during a festival like the Kumababishegam.