The Irony of Secularism

What does ‘secularism’ mean in the context of Indian governance? According to the Constitution of India, secularism implies that the State will not interfere in religious matters. In theory, this principle should apply equally across all faiths — Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and others. But a striking and disturbing contradiction has emerged: the government controls Hindu temples and their management, while mosques, churches, and gurudwaras operate freely under religious trusts.

This discrepancy has prompted several questions:

• Is secularism only a ‘selective doctrine’ in India?
• Why are Hindu temples under government control when other religious institutions are not?
• More importantly, what are the consequences of this government overreach, and how does it undermine the true spirit of secularism?

The Inconvenient Truth of Government Control Over Hindu Temples

Hindu temples across several states in India remain under stringent government control through various state laws. From Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, many temples — whether small or iconic — are managed and regulated by government-appointed boards and administrators. The revenue generated from these temples, which often amounts to millions, is collected by the State and is supposedly used for temple upkeep and charitable purposes. Yet, a significant portion of this money is often redirected for other projects, including secular, non-religious purposes.

The Tirupati temple, for example, generates an estimated ₹3,000 crore annually, but the allocation of these funds is highly opaque.

In contrast, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras are free from such government intervention. They are managed by their respective trusts and communities without any interference from the state. In the case of gurudwaras, for example, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) manages the religious, educational, and financial affairs. Mosques and churches, too, are independent in their administration and financial control.

A Double Standard in Secularism?

This discrepancy raises an important question: Is secularism in India applied selectively? The government’s control over Hindu temples starkly contradicts the constitutional mandate of maintaining equidistance from all religions. If secularism implies the separation of religion from State, then why are Hindu temples being singled out for government control while other religious institutions are left to manage themselves? This selective interference perpetuates a double standard, turning the concept of secularism on its head.

Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?

This government control over Hindu temples dates back to the colonial era, when the British government sought control over temple assets and management to establish their rule. Unfortunately, post-independence governments continued this practice under the guise of "secularism" and "efficiency," with various state laws enacted to maintain control over temple funds and administration.

For instance, the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Act of 1959 gave the state the right to control over 36,000 temples in Tamil Nadu alone. Similar laws were passed in other states, institutionalizing this gross violation of secular principles.

The Consequences of State Control

Government control of temples has led to several problems:

1.  Mismanagement of Funds:
State control over temple funds has led to widespread allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. Several audit reports have pointed out irregularities in the way temple revenues are used.

2.  Dilution of Temple Autonomy:
State interference undermines the autonomy of temple management, which should rightfully be in the hands of devotees or religious trustees.

3.  Neglect of Tradition & Rituals:
Bureaucrats often lack the cultural understanding needed to preserve religious traditions, leading to the erosion of centuries-old customs and practices in temples.

4.  Diversion of Funds:
In many instances, temple funds are being diverted to secular causes. While philanthropy is encouraged in Hinduism, this forceful appropriation of temple funds without consent from the religious community raises ethical and legal concerns.

Solutions: Reclaiming Hindu Temples from State Control

To restore balance and true secularism, Hindu temples should be released from government control. Here are some practical solutions:

1.  Formation of Devotee Trusts:
Temples should be managed by autonomous trusts comprising devotees, scholars, and spiritual leaders. This would ensure that the management of the temples remains with the religious community.

2.  Independent Audits & Transparency:
All temples should have a transparent system of accounting, with independent audits to ensure funds are used for temple upkeep, charitable activities, and other religious purposes.

3.  Legal Reforms:
The existing laws that allow government control over temples need to be repealed or amended. Legal reform should ensure that all religious institutions—regardless of faith—are governed by the same principles.

4.  Community Participation:
Temples should encourage greater participation from local communities in decision-making, ensuring that temple affairs reflect the values and needs of devotees.

A Scathing Reflection on the Current State of Secularism

The current state of affairs reveals a deep hypocrisy in the way secularism is practiced in India. The government’s disproportionate control over Hindu temples while keeping a hands-off approach towards other religious institutions reveals a fundamental flaw in our system. Secularism should mean equal treatment for all religions, not selective intervention. As long as this imbalance persists, India cannot claim to be truly secular.

The road ahead requires bold reforms. Releasing Hindu temples from the clutches of government control is not just about religion; it is about upholding constitutional integrity. It is about ensuring that secularism does not become a weapon to target one faith while offering immunity to others. It is time for the Indian state to walk its talk on secularism—not just in theory, but in practice.

Final Thoughts: Safeguarding the True Spirit of Secularism

As we continue to evolve as a democracy, it is imperative that the definition of secularism in India reflects its true meaning—complete non-interference in religious matters. The control of Hindu temples by the State not only distorts this ideal but also raises serious concerns about religious discrimination. If India is to remain a truly secular nation, Hindu temples must be released from government control and allowed to be managed by the very communities that have nurtured them for centuries.

The irony is clear: India, a country that reveres its temples and views them as cultural and spiritual treasures, also holds the dubious distinction of using them as state-controlled assets. It is time for this hypocrisy to end. Only then can the true spirit of secularism be safeguarded.