Govt schools can't force students to recite Hindu prayers: Chhattisgarh High Court
The Chhattisgarh High Court said government schools cannot compel students to recite Hindu prayers or Vedic hymns. The order underscored freedom of conscience and left the door open for fresh action if any child is coerced.
by India Today Education Desk · India TodayIn Short
- Petitioners claimed directive violated secularism and freedom of conscience
- Court disposed petition but allowed fresh plea if coercion occurs in future
- State said circular not implemented yet in any govt school during hearing
The Chhattisgarh High Court stated that government-run schools cannot compel students to recite Hindu prayers or Vedic hymns. The ruling came during a hearing by Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad on a writ petition challenging a June 12 circular issued by the State School Education Department.
The directive had mandated daily morning assemblies to feature Vedic mantras, including the Saraswati Vandana and Gayatri Mantra, alongside the national anthem and national song.
HIGH COURT UPHOLDS FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE
The petition jointly filed by former Chhattisgarh Waqf Board chairman Abdul Salam Rizvi, former Minority Department chairman Mahendra Chhabda, and social activist Shafique Ahmed argued that the directive violated the constitutional guarantees of secularism.
They contended that forcing children to participate in the rituals of a specific religion infringed upon their fundamental freedom of conscience, particularly in state-funded educational institutions.
CASE DISPOSED FOLLOWING STATE ASSURANCE
During the proceedings, the BJP-led state government informed the High Court that while the controversial circular had been issued, it had not yet been put into effect in any government school.
Recording this submission, the court disposed of the petition. However, the bench explicitly granted the petitioners liberty to approach the court again if any school attempts to coerce children into participating in these prayers, warning that appropriate legal action would follow.
- Ends