The Chhattisgarh High Court observed that no child can be compelled to recite Hindu prayers in government schools while hearing a plea challenging the State government’s June 12 circular. The Court stressed that participation in religious prayers cannot be forced on students.
The Chhattisgarh High Court observed that no child can be forced to recite Hindu prayers in government schools, while hearing a petition challenging a State government circular dated June 12.
Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad heard the matter in relation to the circular, which had instructed government schools to conduct Saraswati Vandana, Gayatri Mantra, Guru Mantra, and other Hindu prayers as part of the daily school routine.
During the proceedings, the State government told the Court that although the circular was issued in early June, it had not yet been implemented. Based on this submission, the Court disposed of the petition.
The Court, however, granted the petitioners liberty to approach it again if any child was found to have been compelled to take part in the prayers. It also noted that suitable action would be taken if any such complaint was presented before the Court. A detailed order is awaited.
The petition was filed by Abdul Salam Rizvi, a former chairman of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board; Mahendra Chhabda, former chairman of the Minority Department; and Shafique Ahmed, a social activist based in Bilaspur.
They challenged the constitutional validity of the School Education Department’s circular, alleging that it violated the principles of secularism and students’ fundamental rights.
As per the circular, schools across the State were asked to conduct the National Anthem, National Song, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana, and Guru Mantra. It further directed schools to read biographies of great personalities, recite the Bhojan Mantra during mid-day meals, and recite the Gayatri Mantra and Shanti Mantra before students dispersed.
The petitioners argued that the circular did not provide protection for students who did not wish to participate in religious activities. It also contended that the circular failed to include any exemption or safeguards.
It stated,
“The impugned order neither provides an exemption mechanism nor safeguards the freedom of conscience of students who may not wish to participate in such religious activities,”
The plea further asserted that the circular did not maintain the State’s religious neutrality.
The petition said,
“By prescribing prayers and mantras associated with one religion while excluding all others, the State creates an impermissible preference and classification based upon religion,”
It additionally argued that the circular undermined the secular character of public education.
The plea added,
“The action of the State effectively promotes and institutionalizes religious practices of one faith in State-funded educational institutions, thereby violating constitutional guarantees,”
Case Title: Abdul Salam Rizvi & Ors. v State of Chhattisgarh & Ors.