The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition seeking the establishment of a Board for the Protection of Sanatana Dharma, similar to the Waqf Board, stating that such matters fall within the domain of policymaking and are beyond the purview of judicial intervention.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that the judiciary cannot interfere in policy decisions. “We cannot do anything in this,” remarked Chief Justice Manmohan during the hearing.
The plea, filed by the Sanatan Hindu Sewa Sangh Trust, alleged that followers of Sanatana Dharma were facing attacks from followers of other religions. The petitioner argued that the absence of a dedicated religious body to protect the rights, customs, and practices of Sanatana Dharma necessitated the formation of such a board.
The petitioners contended that their earlier representation to the government on the matter had not elicited any response, prompting them to seek judicial intervention. However, the Court dismissed the plea, granting the petitioner liberty to approach the government for appropriate action.
The Bench’s ruling underscores the principle that matters of religious governance and policy are to be addressed by the legislative and executive branches, not the judiciary.
