- Court Defines Universal Philosophy
- Yoga Not Religious Practice
- Home Ministry Decision Set aside
- Madras High Court’s Clear Position
Article Today, Chennai:
The Madras High Court has ruled that the Bhagavad Gita cannot be classified as a religious text in the narrow sense. It held that the Gita represents a universal philosophy rooted in Indian civilisation. The court underlined that its teachings address ethical living and mental well-being. Therefore, they cannot be confined to any single religion.
Gita as Moral Science
The Bench observed that the Bhagavad Gita functions as a moral and philosophical guide. It deals with human dilemmas, mental stress, and ethical conduct. Justice G R Swaminathan stated that its teachings transcend religious boundaries. Teaching or studying the Gita, the court said, does not amount to religious propagation under law.
Yoga’s Global Relevance
The court also rejected attempts to link yoga with religion. It described yoga as a scientific discipline for physical and mental health. Yoga, the judgment said, is a universal practice followed across cultures. Consequently, branding yoga education as religious activity was held to be unreasonable.
Case Against Home Ministry
The ruling arose from a petition by the Arsha Vidya Parampara Trust of Coimbatore. The Union Home Ministry had denied it permission to receive foreign contributions. The rejection was based on the view that the trust imparted yoga and Vedanta, which were treated as religious activities. However, the court found this reasoning flawed.
FCRA Decision Questioned
The court noted that the trust had earlier paid a penalty of Rs. 9 lakh for a violation under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. However, it held that the same issue could not be repeatedly used to deny fresh permission. Therefore, the ministry’s decision was set aside as arbitrary.
Spirituality and Religion Distinct
The judgment drew a clear line between spirituality and religion. It observed that preserving Indian philosophical traditions does not equate to religious conversion or promotion. In addition, the court questioned the delay in acting on an application filed in 2021 and decided only in October 2024.
Direction for Fresh Review
The authorities were directed to reconsider the trust’s application objectively. The court ordered that a final decision be taken within three months. It stressed that transparency and timely action are essential to good governance.
Wider Implications
The court also appreciated efforts to digitise ancient Indian texts. It noted that traditional knowledge systems contribute to both mental peace and public health. The ruling, therefore, is seen as reaffirming the secular and universal character of India’s philosophical heritage, while offering clarity to institutions engaged in yoga and Vedantic studies.
