Yesterday, On 28th October, the Calcutta High Court addressed a PIL requesting a ban on animal sacrifices at the Bolla Raksha Kali Temple, highlighting tensions between religious practices and modern ethical concerns. The court expressed skepticism about achieving veganism in Eastern India and referred to ongoing debates regarding essential religious practices and environmental issues related to sacrifices.
Today, On 20th September, a petition filed in the Supreme Court alleging that the Tirupati Balaji Prasad contains animal fat, violating Hindu customs. It calls for an investigation and corrective measures. The controversy, sparked by political accusations, has involved major parties disputing the claims while emphasizing the need to protect religious sentiments and practices.
At a Dehradun event, Supreme Court advocate Ashwini Upadhyay assured that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will not violate religious rights under Article 25. The discussion emphasized the UCC’s role in national uniformity while respecting constitutional freedoms, with input from various legal experts.
The Supreme Court today has sought a response from the Kerala government regarding the requirement for the Melshanthi (high priest) position at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple to be filled by a Malayala Brahmin. This requirement is being challenged as a violation of constitutional rights, arguing that the selection should not be restricted to a specific community. The case is scheduled for further hearing on October 25.
The Allahabad High Court rejected a bail plea under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, expressing concern that continued religious conversions could lead to the majority population becoming a minority. The court emphasized that while the Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom, it doesn’t permit forced conversions. The accused’s bail was denied.
The Supreme Court’s recent remarks on anti-conversion laws have raised hopes for Catholics, signaling potential conflicts with religious freedoms. Archbishop Machado of Bangalore expresses optimism, emphasizing the need to prevent the misuse of such laws. The observation may have far-reaching implications, potentially leading to significant amendments or the repeal of the law.
On 4th March: The Allahabad High Court has instructed a Varanasi court to reach a verdict within eight weeks on the worship rights of a ‘shivling’ found in the Gyanvapi mosque. This follows a petition filed in 2022. Hindu and Muslim parties have differing views on the structure discovered during a court-authorized survey.
On Monday (26th February): The Allahabad High Court ruled that the 1993 state directive halting Hindu prayers in the Gyanvapi mosque cellar was illegal. A bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal further observed that prima facie, it was illegal on the part of the Uttar Pradesh government to stop these Hindu prayers by way of an oral order […]
