The Karnataka High Court observed that India being a secular country does not mean religious or cultural activities cannot be held. With this remark, the court set aside the Bengaluru West City Corporation’s decision refusing permission to use an auditorium for Shankaracharya Jayanti celebrations. The corporation had argued that the venue was meant only for yoga activities and therefore could not be allotted for a religious function.
Justice M. I. Arun clarified that Shankaracharya Jayanti is not merely a religious observance but also a cultural event. The court further emphasized that anything not expressly prohibited by law is permitted.
The High Court also noted that the Indian Constitution reflects the country’s traditions and heritage, including references to the Gurukul system, the Ramayana, the Bhagavad Gita, and Gautam Buddha. Hence, celebrating Indian culture—even when it has religious connections—cannot be considered illegal or unconstitutional.
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