No child can be forced to recite Saraswati Vandana, other Hindu prayers in government schools: Chhattisgarh HC | Today’s news
The Chhattisgarh High Court has said that no child can be forced to recite Hindu prayers in government schools, legal news website Bar and Bench reported.
The court made these observations while hearing a petition challenging the state government’s June 12 circular ordering recitation Saraswati VandanaGayatri Mantra, Guru Mantra and other Hindu prayers in schools.
The state government submitted to the court that Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad’s June 12 circular has not yet been implemented in government schools.
Noting the submission, the Court closed the petition and gave liberty to the petitioners to approach the Court again if it is found that any child was forced to participate in the recitation of prayers.
The court warned that appropriate action would be taken if it was informed of such coercion. However, a detailed order is pending.
The petition was filed by the former Chhattisgarh Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Salam Rizvi, former Minorities Ministry Chairman Mahendra Chhabda and social activist Shafique Ahmed from Bilaspur who challenged the constitutional validity of the Education Ministry circular.
Circular issued by the State Govt
A circular issued by the state directed government schools across the state to conduct recital of the National Anthem, National Song, Profound Mantra, Saraswati Vandana and Guru Mantra. There were also readings of biographies of great personalities, recitation of Bhojan Mantra during mid-day meal and recitation of Gayatri Mantra and Shanti Mantra before dispersion.
The petition alleged that the circular violated the constitutional principles of secularism and fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
“Mandatory inclusion of Saraswati Vandana, Gayatri Mantra, Guru Mantra and Shanti Mantra makes religious teaching and promoting a particular religion in government schools. The challenged resolution is therefore unconstitutional,” he filed a lawsuit.
The petitions also alleged that the circular failed to protect students who do not wish to participate in religious ceremonies.
“The impugned order does not provide an exemption mechanism or guarantee the freedom of conscience of students who may not wish to participate in such religious activities,” it said.
The petitioners added that the circular was incompatible with the secular character of public education.
No child should be forced to participate in religious ceremonies in public education.
“The state’s action effectively promotes and institutionalizes the religious practices of one faith in state-funded educational institutions, thereby violating constitutional guarantees,” the lawsuit states.
(With Bar and Bench inputs)
