Constitutional need for regulation of temples

Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution permit the State to enact laws for social reform, balancing religious freedom.

Hindu religious institutions are regulated by state-level umbrella enactments called The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act.

Opponents of this regulation argue for 'free the temples' and greater religious institutional autonomy.

B.R. Ambedkar argued in the Constituent Assembly that India's broader conception of religion required limiting constitutional protection to what is 'essentially religious'.

Ambedkar's stance was shaped by battles against social discrimination involving temple entry and public well access.