Festivals and Traditions — Legal Precedents

Legal Precedents

Shirur Mutt v. Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowments

1952

This landmark case established the 'essential religious practices' test. The Supreme Court held that the protection under Article 25 and 26 of the Constitution is confined to such…

Acharya Jagadishwaranand Avadhuta v. Commissioner of Police, Calcutta

1983

This case dealt with the Anand Margi sect's right to perform 'Tandava dance' in public processions, carrying trishuls (tridents) and skulls. The Supreme Court ruled that Tandava…

Indian Young Lawyers Association v. The State of Kerala (Sabarimala Temple Entry Case)

2018

While not directly about a 'festival' in the conventional sense, this judgment profoundly impacted traditional religious practices and gender equality, which are often intertwined…