New Delhi: Media persons wait outside the Supreme court during the hearing on petitions against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that makes homosexuality a crime; in New Delhi on July 10, 2018. (Photo: IANS)
The Supreme Court on Monday sought to know why government officials are involved in running and managing religious places. It noted that most people who go to Puri's Jagannath temple come back harassed and mistreated.
Senior counsel Gopal Sankaranarayanan urged the court to address on "how far the government in a secular state can run and manage the temple".
"It is a matter of perspective. I don't know why government officials should run and manage religious places," asked Justice S.A. Bobde sitting with Justice S. Abdul Nazeer.
As Justice Bobde flagged the issue, senior counsel Gopal Shankarnarayanan urged the court to address the question on "how far the government in a secular state can run and manage the temple".
The court said that the lawyers could touch this aspect in the next hearing on May 13.
