Supreme Court Says Visiting a Temple Is Not Mandatory to Prove One’s Hindu Faith

The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that Hindutva is a way of life and not limited to rituals or temple visits. The Constitution Bench stated that a person does not need to compulsorily visit temples or strictly follow religious customs to prove their Hindu faith, adding that even lighting a lamp at home can reflect one’s belief. These observations came during hearings related to women’s entry into religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, and matters concerning religious freedom among different communities.

During the hearing, senior advocate Dr. G. Mohan Gopal, appearing for one of the petitioners, argued that demands for social justice are emerging from within religious communities themselves. Referring to a 1966 judgment, he noted that the Supreme Court had earlier described Hindus as those who accept the Vedas as the highest authority in matters of religion and philosophy. The ongoing hearings are expected to shape wider discussions on religious freedom, constitutional rights, and social equality in India.