Right of excluded classes to enter and offer worship in temple

General194815 sections

Statutory text

(1) Notwithstanding any law, custom or usage to the contrary, persons belonging to the excluded classes shall be entitled to enter any temple or gurdwara and offer worship therein in the same manner and to the same extent as Hindus or, as the case may be, Sikhs in general; and no member of any excluded class shall, by reason only of such entry or worship, whether before or after the commencement of this Act, be deemed to have committed any actionable wrong or offence or be sued or prosecuted therefor. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions; it is hereby declared that the right conferred by sub-section (1) shall include the following rights if, and to the extent to which, they are enjoyed by Hindus or, as the case may be, Sikhs in general not belonging to the excluded classes:— (a) the right to bathe in, or use the waters of, any sacred tank, well, spring or water-course appurtenant to the temple or gurdwara whether, situated within or outside the precincts thereof; (b) the right of passage over any sacred place or hillock or a road, street or pathway, which is requisite for obtaining access to the temple or gurdwara.

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