“Gods” (or Deities?) as Juristic Persons: Critiquing the Hindutva Idolatry
“Gods” (or Deities?) as Juristic Persons: Critiquing the Hindutva Idolatry “Gods” (or Deities?) as Juristic Persons: Critiquing the Hindutva Idolatry Posted on 27th October, 2024 (GMT 20:00 hrs) AKHAR BANDYOPADHYAY ⤡ DEBAPRASAD BANDYOPADHYAY ⤡ ABSTRACT The article critiques the legal recognition of Hindu deities as juristic persons, a concept used to grant Hindu idols legal rights similar to those of humans or corporations. It argues that this practice, which began under British colonial law, has been appropriated by Hindutva forces to reinforce idolatry and elevate religious sentiments over secular law. By treating deities as legal entities, the article suggests that Hindutva ideology gains leverage in the Indian judicial system, promoting a particular brand of religious identity that influences political and social dynamics. The author calls for a critical examination of this conflation of religion and legal identity, questioning its compatibility with India’s secular framework. Ami