Vidhi Codex

The Gujarat Hindu Places of Public Worship (Entry Authorization) Act, 1956

The Gujarat Hindu Places of Public Worship (Entry Authorization) Act, 1956

General19569 sections

The Gujarat Hindu Places of Public Worship (Entry Authorization) Act, 1956 ensures equal access to places of public worship across Gujarat for all sections and classes of Hindus, including Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. It prohibits restricting, obstructing, or discouraging anyone from entering temples, offering prayers, or performing religious services based on caste, sub-caste, sect, or denomination. Anyone who prevents access or harasses worshippers faces criminal penalties, including up to six months of imprisonment, a fine, or both. By overriding discriminatory customs, local laws, and court decrees, this law matters because it guarantees equal religious freedom and rights of worship for everyone.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 0. Preamble
  2. 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
  3. 2. Definitions.
  4. 3. Throwing open of Hindu temples to all classes and sections of Hindus.
  5. 4. Penalty.
  6. 5. Abetment of offences.
  7. 6. Limitation of jurisdiction of civil courts.
  8. 7. Offences to be cognizable and compoundable.
  9. 8. Saving of Act XXII of 1955 and other laws.

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