My piece in @Openthemag on the #SreePadmanabhaswamyTemple judgement addressing as many aspects as possible in 3000 words Cc @TVMohandasPai - openthemagazine.com/features/for-g…
"A lesser known fact is that the Union Government was represented in the proceedings before the Supreme Court in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple case at least from March 20th,2017,until the conclusion of arguments on April 10th, 2019,which is reflected in over 20 orders passed.."
"by the court during that period.Yet,as reflected by the judgment of the Court,the Union Government for reasons best known to it,chose not to actively participate in the proceedings to clarify its position on Articles 25, 26.."
"and the larger question of the freedom of temples from state control. Given that the issue of Temple control falls under Entry 28 of the Concurrent List, the Union Government is constitutionally competent to not just take a position in such matters, but is also best placed to.."
"pass a Central legislation which eliminates state control of temples or, at the very least, cuts the role of the state to size in temples in a manner consistent with Articles 25(2)(a), 26 and 31A(b)."
"Since the dispensation at the Centre appears keen on undoing the legacy mistakes made by previous dispensations, particularly in relation to civilisational matters, it may want to set the balance right even on this front as it affects at least 75 per cent of the population."
