The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Act has been a subject of intense debate and discussion. Recent desecration of temples and rights of worshipers in the Southern states of India has placed this Act in the dead center of conversations. The continuation of this Act and other laws that place temples in the hands of the state governments is a potential threat to religious tolerance and equality.

Ensuring tolerance of Hindu religious practices in a Hindu-majority state is a prime concern in modern India. Temples should be given respect and freedom from state control in a way similar to that of Churches and Mosques. The differentiation between Sanatana Dharma and other religions in India should end for India to be truly secular.

Is HRCE a threat to Hindu Religious Identity?

In the wrong hands, the HRCE Act is a threat to the autonomy and traditional practices of Hindu temples. The act allows interference of state governments to decide the limits of religious freedom. For example, the HRCE official forced the Deekshotars, who are the custodians of the Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu, to adhere to government orders which ran in direct contrast to their religious beliefs. This led to manhandling of the priest, the disruption of Hindu rituals, and finally the arrest of priests. Another example is that the state authorities allowed namaz on Thiruparankundram Hill owned by the Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple.

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These examples show that frequently the rights of Hindus are usually questioned under the ‘sickularists’ regimes in India. Their belief systems are often ignored or overruled to make way for other religions in the name of ‘progress’, ‘modernity’, or ‘tolerance’. This interference dilutes Hindu religious beliefs and practices. Moreover, it erodes the rich cultural heritage and traditions associated with these temples. Thus, it is not unreasonable to conclude that Hinduism is being subjected to undue government control, leading to the dilution of its identity under the guise of ‘homogenization’.

State of Temples under the HRCE Act

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The questions or concerns raised by Hindu organizations often earn the label of ‘right-wing political agenda’. There is obvious mismanagement and neglect of Hindu temples under the HRCE. However, allegations of improper utilization of temple funds and lack of transparency are used as tools for political interference by the state governments. They use these excuses to appoint their lackeys as temple trustees to control the Hindu community of the region. This has led to the decline of the condition and maintenance of temple premises in Southern India. Thereby affecting the overall religious experience and sanctity for devotees. The state government’s control over temple properties and funds often results in diminishing the spiritual sanctity of sacred spaces for Hindus.

Politicians and Their Agenda

Politicians portray the HRCE Act as an anti-Brahmin and anti-acste-based-discrimination tool. These political parties drive their narrative based on their political motivations. Their goal is to sway the local population in their favor. They use it as a tool to divide and rule over the Hindu majority. Usually, they do not have any genuine concern for the welfare of Hindu religious institutions or practices. They view the act as a means to gain control over temple resources and influence the religious sentiments of the Hindu community.

In Reality, the HRCE Act is a tool for political agenda rather than a measure for the protection and preservation of religious institutions.

The Disadvantages of the HRCE To the Hindu Community

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• Interference in Religious Affairs: The HRCE interferes in the religious affairs of Hindu temples, leading to a loss of autonomy and undermining the religious practices and traditions followed for centuries.
• Lack of Representation: The HRCE lacks representation from the diverse Hindu community. Therefore, the decision-making processes that safeguard Hindu religious beliefs and customs are biased and prejudiced.
• Mismanagement and Corruption: Numerous instances of mismanagement and corruption have resulted due to the HRCE. There is frequent mismanagement of funds by political parties for their own agendas. Moreover, they divert resources assigned for the welfare of the temples and the Hindu community to further their political legacy.
• Dilution of Hindu Identity: The HRCE’s control over temple administration has led to a dilution of Hindu religious identity and practices. It enables outsiders to influence the beliefs and customs of the devotees. It also acts as a suppressor of the rights of Sanatana Dharma followers.

Conclusion

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The HRCE Act is a tremendous threat to religious tolerance, Hindu religious identity, and the autonomy of Hindu temples. The Act disproportionately targets Hindu religious institutions while sparing other religious institutions from similar levels of government control and interference. The mismanagement and neglect of Hindu temples under the Act add to these concerns. The central government needs to take due cognizance of the concerns of all stakeholders and the Hindu community. The abolishment of HRCE Act is essential to preserve the religious freedom and cultural heritage of Hindus. However, it is expected that certain Indian political parties will oppose this under the pretext of ‘secularism’.