SC urged to hear ‘one hour for dharma’

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a historic development, the Supreme Court is being urged to hear the “One Hour for Dharma” matter, which seeks clarity on the interpretation of Articles 25 and 26, particularly the scope of “morality” in relation to constitutional limitations on religious freedom. The impleadment application (IA) follows the filing by the Tiruppan Alwar Ammal community before the Nine-Judge Bench reviewing the Sabarimala judgment.

The IA highlights the wishes of the late Dr. M. V. Soundararajan, editor of VAK, and his late wife Vasumathi, both devotees of Shri Chilkur Balaji. Dr. Soundararajan’s request includes recognition of the devotional community on the scale of Munivahana-type thousand-year acknowledgment and the commemoration of Tiruppan Alwar through a stamp and a statue in the Supreme Court premises.

The application focuses on Question No. (iv) of the proceedings, addressing whether constitutional morality forms part of the limitations on religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26. It argues that the legal interpretation of morality should align with the Objectives Resolution of 1947 and the assurances guaranteeing communities the right to worship in their own way while preserving language and culture. Instruments of Accession for certain Ruler Deities, including Shri Padmanabha Swamy, Shri Rama of Orchha, and Shri Eklingji of Mewar, reinforce this constitutional limit, which has continued post-independence under Articles 26 and 363.

The applicant contends that the Sabarimala judgment disrupted this understanding and urges the Court to devote at least one hour to hear the matter, emphasizing the parents’ patrimony obligation and the importance of Telugu States’ support under Article 39-A.

The submission underscores that Bharat exemplifies the purpose of Article 26—promoting peace, harmony, and consent-based worship practices. In contrast, foreign-origin denominations have often used resources to assert supremacy, leading to conflicts. The IA seeks guidance for the Supreme Court and the world, reinforcing the pious intent of Article 26 within Bharat and globally.