Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Nariman said Shanti Bhushan was a man of tremendous commitment who quit the BJP because he believed it lacked secularism. He recalled that Bhushan always acted according to principles shaped by his family’s strong secular tradition.
The Supreme Court examined the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, comparing Waqf to Hinduism’s Moksha and addressing its religious significance. Kapil Sibal argued that Waqf is a divine dedication, unlike mere charity, countering the Centre’s claims. The case highlights the essence of charity across religions and its implications for religious endowments.
The Supreme Court has said that changing religion only to get reservation benefits is a misuse of the Constitution. It stated that such actions go against the purpose of helping disadvantaged groups through reservations. The ruling aims to protect the true intention of these constitutional provisions. This judgment sends a strong message to prevent the misuse of reservation benefits.
Today, On 20th December, The Delhi High Court declined to consider a petition that sought to classify the Ram Janmbhoomi Trust as a public authority. The plea argued that the Trust should fall under the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. However, the court determined that the Trust did not fulfill the criteria required to be recognized as a public authority.
Yesterday, On 28th November, the Kerala High Court ruled that Hinduism does not require elephants for festivals, reinforcing that only essential religious practices are constitutionally protected. The court dismissed the Cochin Devaswom Board’s request for a three-meter distancing rule exemption, emphasizing elephant welfare and asserting that non-essential customs must adhere to legal guidelines.
The Bangladesh government labeled ISKCON a “fundamentalist” group amid rising tensions following the arrest of a Hindu priest, which sparked protests for minority protections. The interim administration faces criticism over its handling of anti-Hindu violence. Diplomatic strains with India increased as it urged protection for Hindu communities, prompting a defensive response from Dhaka.
A petition in Kerala High Court seeks to restrict non-Hindus from entering Hindu temples, citing concerns over filming, particularly the Malayalam movie Vishesham. Petitioners argue such activities disrupt the temples’ sanctity and demand regulations against commercial filming and entry of intoxicated individuals, emphasizing the need to uphold religious dignity.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed Mohammad Bilal’s plea to quash an FIR for allegedly making offensive remarks about Lord Ram and Hinduism on Instagram. Despite claiming his account was hacked, the court found his defense unconvincing. The case will proceed for further investigation under relevant laws.
The Allahabad High Court granted bail to Riyaz, accused of insulting Lord Ram on Facebook. The decision based on his clean record and an apology. This case sparked debate on religious sensitivities and legal freedoms, but the court emphasized India’s secular values. The accused must now abide by certain conditions while on bail.