In Manohar Joshi v. Nitin Bhaurao Patil (1995), a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled that "Hindutva" or "Hinduism" is not necessarily a religious appeal, but rather a "way of life" or "cultural ethos" of India. The Court held that advocating for a "Hindu State" or using the term "Hindutva" does not automatically constitute a corrupt practice under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
