Why is it in the news?
Madras High Court rulings revived debate on the Essential Religious Practices (ERP) test.
Cases involved Thiruparankundram Deepathoon and Thenkalai sect rights.
Category: Polity
Important Points:
● ERP doctrine determines if practice is essential under Articles 25 & 26
● Shirur Mutt Case (1954) defined essentiality based on religion’s tenets
● Durgah Committee Case (1961) excluded superstitious accretions
● Shayara Bano (2017): Triple Talaq not essential practice
● Sabarimala (2018): Essential practice cannot override constitutional morality
● Article 25: Freedom of conscience and religion
● Article 26: Right to manage religious affairs
● Madras HC (2026): State must facilitate long-standing rituals
● Court upheld denominational rights of Thenkalai sect
● Criticisms: judicial overreach, inconsistency, enforcement challenges