HC Rejects TN Govt’s Plea Against Lighting Holy ‘Deep’ Near Dargah
In a significant development, the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against the court’s order directing to light a holy ‘deep’ near a dargah. The court’s decision has sent a strong message about the importance of respecting the religious sentiments of all communities. The order was passed after the diya was not lit at the designated place near the dargah, despite the court’s earlier direction, and was instead lit at another spot.
The controversy surrounding the lighting of the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah has been ongoing for some time now. The dargah in question is located near the Thiruparankundram hill, a site considered sacred by both Hindus and Muslims. The dispute began when a group of devotees sought to light a holy ‘deep’ near the dargah, which was opposed by the Tamil Nadu government. The government’s decision to oppose the lighting of the ‘deep’ was seen as an attempt to appease a particular community, rather than upholding the principles of secularism and religious freedom.
The Madras High Court, however, took a different view. In its earlier order, the court had directed that the holy ‘deep’ be lit near the dargah, citing the need to respect the religious sentiments of all communities. The court’s order was based on the principle that the right to freedom of religion is a fundamental right, enshrined in the Constitution of India. The court also noted that the lighting of the ‘deep’ was a peaceful and innocuous activity, which did not pose any threat to public order or safety.
Despite the court’s order, the diya was not lit at the designated place near the dargah. Instead, it was lit at another spot, allegedly with the connivance of the state government. This move was seen as a deliberate attempt to flout the court’s order and undermine the rule of law. The court, therefore, took a dim view of the state government’s actions and dismissed its appeal against the earlier order.
The court’s decision to dismiss the state government’s appeal is significant, as it sends a strong message about the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the religious sentiments of all communities. The court’s order also highlights the need for the state government to act in a neutral and impartial manner, rather than trying to appease a particular community. By dismissing the appeal, the court has reinforced the principle that the right to freedom of religion is a fundamental right, which must be respected and protected by the state.
The controversy surrounding the lighting of the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah also raises important questions about the role of the state in regulating religious activities. The state government’s decision to oppose the lighting of the ‘deep’ was seen as an attempt to impose its own brand of secularism, which is often used as a pretext to restrict the religious freedoms of certain communities. The court’s decision, on the other hand, has reinforced the principle that the state must respect the religious sentiments of all communities and not try to impose its own brand of secularism.
In conclusion, the Madras High Court’s decision to dismiss the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against the lighting of the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah is a significant development, which highlights the importance of respecting the religious sentiments of all communities. The court’s order reinforces the principle that the right to freedom of religion is a fundamental right, which must be respected and protected by the state. The decision also sends a strong message about the need for the state government to act in a neutral and impartial manner, rather than trying to appease a particular community.
As the controversy surrounding the lighting of the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah continues to simmer, it is hoped that the state government will take a more nuanced and inclusive approach to regulating religious activities. The state government must recognize that the right to freedom of religion is a fundamental right, which must be respected and protected. By doing so, the state government can help to promote communal harmony and social cohesion, rather than exacerbating existing tensions.
The court’s decision is also a reminder that the judiciary plays a crucial role in protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to freedom of religion. The court’s order has reinforced the principle that the state must respect the religious sentiments of all communities and not try to impose its own brand of secularism. As the country continues to grapple with issues of religious freedom and communal harmony, the court’s decision is a timely reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the fundamental rights of all citizens.
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