Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan, a Christian officer, was dismissed from the Indian Army for refusing to participate in Hindu religious rituals. The Delhi High Court upheld the dismissal, citing the importance of unity and morale in the regiment. Kamalesan sought exemption from entering the temple's inner sanctum due to his Christian beliefs, but the court ruled that following orders in the military takes precedence. Advocate Jesuit Father A Santhanam criticized the ruling, stating it failed to respect the officer's right to his faith and undermined India's secular character.
5 days ago
Lieutenant Samuel Kamalesan, a Christian officer in the Indian Army, was dismissed after he refused to participate in Hindu and Sikh religious rituals, specifically entering the inner sanctum of a temple to perform Hindu worship rituals 1. Kamalesan, who joined the army in 2017, sought an exemption based on his Christian beliefs against idol worship 1. His regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, primarily recruits from the Jat, Rajput, and Sikh communities and maintains a Hindu temple and a Sikh gurdwara for religious observances 1.
The Delhi High Court upheld Kamalesan's dismissal, stating that military orders and unity take precedence over personal religious choices 1. The army argued that these traditions are crucial for building unity and morale within the regiment 1. The court agreed, emphasizing that shared traditions, not religious divisions, are the foundation of unity in the armed forces 1.
Kamalesan argued that he regularly attended religious parades and festivals with his troops but sought exemption only from entering the innermost sanctum of the temple during specific rituals 1. He stated that his participation in the outer areas of these religious sites demonstrated respect and solidarity 1. He also noted the absence of a Sarv Dharm Sthal (a place of worship accommodating all faiths) or a Christian church on the premises 1.
Father A Santhanam, a lawyer, criticized the court's decision, calling it "sad" and a failure to respect Kamalesan's right to his Christian faith 1. He argued that the punishment constituted religious coercion and undermined India's secular character 1. Santhanam further stated that the court overlooked Kamalesan's respectful attendance at parades and standing outside the sanctum 1. He also raised concerns about the precedent this sets for religious freedom within the armed forces and the potential for majoritarian religious bias 1.
Religious freedom within secular institutions must be protected.
The Catholic Church upholds the importance of protecting religious freedom within secular institutions, grounding this right in the dignity of the human person . This freedom extends to both private and public expressions of faith, both individually and communally .
In summary, the Church views religious freedom as a fundamental right grounded in human dignity, essential for both individual fulfillment and the common good of society. This right must be protected within secular institutions, ensuring that individuals can practice their faith responsibly and without discrimination .