Parents of a three-year-old girl who allegedly carried out a ritual of Jaina Santhary-Siber fasting to death. File | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
On Tuesday (July 8, 2025), the Madhya Pradesh High Court issued a notification to the Government of the Union and State Government, various state authorities, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Indore’s couple in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl who allegedly committed to Santhara’s ritual.
The divisional bench, including Judge Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi, issued a notice and heard litigation filed by the social worker Pranshu Jainem. The petition was looking for a ban on compliance with Santhary by minors and people with mental illnesses.
The application claims that this practice, if permitted for minors and vulnerable individuals, may other misuses to “get rid of” relatives suffering from serious health conditions or psychological disorders. The petition is also looking for criminal steps against those who make Santhar for minors easier.
The court ordered the notification to be delivered to the Government of the Union, the government of Madhya Pradesh, NHRC, General Director of the State Police, Division Commissioner Indore, District Collector Indore and Commissioner of the Municipal Police.
In addition, the parents of the girl – Piyush Jain and Varsha Jain – became respondents in the case of last month after the previous direction of the court. Their answer was searched.
Jain Saint Rajesh Muni Maharaj, who played Santhar on a three -year -old. File | Photo Credit: Am Faruqui
Attorney SHUBHAM SHARMA, who appeared for the petitioner, told Hindu that he was also asked for a temporary ban on Santhary for the minors. “However, the High Court has issued a notice to respondents and will consider our request after their answers,” he said.
This matter is preliminarily listed for further hearing on August 25th. The issue of the notification is subject to the petitioner, who imposes a procedural fee, the court clarified.
“To issue notifications to respondents to pay a process fee within three working days. The notification will be returned within four weeks,” the bench ordered.
According to the petition, the three -year -old Viyana Jain died, who was reportedly subject to the treatment of the brain tumor, 21st March after taking the promise of Santhar. The ritual was reportedly made on the advice of Jaina Munich Rajesh Muni Maharaj, whom his parents approached to find a blessing for his daughter.
The petition was moved before the High Court on May 9. After the news of the media, that parents were recognized by the Golden Book of Worlds-American organization-which granted the certificate that the child declared as “the youngest promise of Jaine Ritual Santhara”.
Published – 8 July 2025 23:17
