The Chhattisgarh High Court observed that no child can be compelled to recite Hindu prayers in government schools while hearing a plea challenging the State government’s June 12 circular. The Court stressed that participation in religious prayers cannot be forced on students.
The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court’s order imposing a statewide ban on cow and calf slaughter. The State questioned directions issued to authorities while hearing a PIL seeking regulation of slaughter at authorised places under law.
The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court order permitting Karthigai Deepam to be lit at Deepathoon atop Thiruparankundram hill. The appeal concerns the stone lamp pillar’s location near a dargah in Madurai district.
The Allahabad High Court directed the Additional District Magistrate, Prayagraj, to complete all formalities within four weeks following approval of a man’s conversion from Islam to Sanatan Dharma under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, after administrative permission was granted.
Today, On 14th May, The Supreme Court has now reserved its judgment in the long-pending Sabarimala reference after an intensive 16-day hearing before a nine-judge Bench. Led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, the Bench reconsidered constitutional questions tied to the 2018 ruling.
The Supreme Court of India observed that Hinduism is a way of life, not dependent on rituals. It clarified that a person identifying as Hindu need not visit temples or perform religious ceremonies to still continue being Hindu.
The Supreme Court of India observed that if every religious practice or ritual is challenged before constitutional courts, it could lead to excessive litigation, weakening religions and affecting India’s civilizational fabric, while stressing that religion remains deeply connected with the country’s social structure.
A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court asked how the law should treat a non-believer seeking entry to a religious place, noting it must assess whether the claimant is a devotee or non-devotee while examining petitions on Sabarimala.
The Supreme Court rebuked an advocate in the Sabarimala reference hearing for irrelevant submissions, saying he was going beyond the subject and must confine arguments to the issue. The Court also said, “Please don’t argue like this,” during proceedings.
The Supreme Court said there can be no anarchy, noting that managing religious institutions cannot mean operating without structure, and emphasised the need for rules as the nine-judge Bench heard petitions on Sabarimala women’s entry and religious freedom.
