Sikh Festivals — Key Cases & Reports

Key Cases & Reports

Shirur Mutt v. Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowments

1954

Though not directly about Sikh festivals, this case laid down the 'essential religious practices' test, which is fundamental to understanding the scope of Article 25 and 26. The…

Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowments, Madras v. Sri Lakshmindra Thirtha Swamiar of Sri Shirur Mutt

1954

This case, often referred to as the Shirur Mutt case, further clarified that Article 26(b) protects the right of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in matters of…

S.P. Mittal v. Union of India

1983

This judgment reiterated the 'essential practices' doctrine and emphasized that the burden of proving that a practice is an essential part of a religion lies on the person…