No child can be compelled to recite Saraswati Vandana, other Hindu prayers in Govt schools: Chhattisgarh HC

Chhattisgarh High Court Rules No Child Can Be Compelled to Recite Hindu Prayers in Government Schools

Theindiapostdaily.com – The Chhattisgarh High Court has issued a landmark ruling, stating that no child can be compelled to recite Hindu prayers such as the Saraswati Vandana, Gayatri Mantra, and Guru Mantra in government schools. This decision, reported by legal news outlet Bar and Bench, challenges the constitutional validity of a state directive requiring the recitation of these religious texts as part of the daily routine. The court emphasized that such mandates infringe on the freedom of conscience of students, particularly those from minority communities.

Petitioners Argue for Religious Freedom in Schools

A group of petitioners, including Abdul Salam Rizvi, former chairman of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board, Mahendra Chhabda, ex-head of the Minority Department, and Shafique Ahmed, a social activist from Bilaspur, contested the circular issued by the state government on June 12. The directive, which mandated the recitation of specific Hindu prayers, was challenged on grounds of religious bias and the violation of students’ right to choose their own beliefs.

The petitioners highlighted that the circular required schools to include the National Anthem, National Song, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana, and Guru Mantra in daily activities. Additionally, the Bhojan Mantra was to be recited during midday meals, while Gayatri and Shanti Mantras were to be chanted before the end of the school day. They argued that these practices, though seemingly ceremonial, effectively promoted Hinduism as the dominant faith in government education.

“The inclusion of Saraswati Vandana, Gayatri Mantra, Guru Mantra, and Shanti Mantra in school routines amounts to religious instruction, which disproportionately favors Hindu students and undermines the constitutional principle of secularism,” the petition stated. It further claimed that the directive violated Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of religion.

The petitioners stressed that the circular failed to account for students who opted out of religious practices. “There is no provision in the order that allows children to decline participation in these prayers, thereby forcing them to conform to a particular faith,” they asserted. This argument was supported by the claim that such mandates could marginalize non-Hindu students and create an environment of religious dominance in educational institutions.

State Government Defends Religious Practices in Schools

The state government, in its response to the petition, clarified that the June 12 circular had not yet been fully implemented in government schools. Officials argued that the directive aimed to instill cultural values and national pride among students through religious recitations. They also mentioned that the court had provisionally closed the petition, giving the petitioners the opportunity to present evidence if any child was found to be compelled to recite the prayers.

Despite the court’s temporary closure, the state government remained cautious. It warned that if cases of religious compulsion were reported, the court would take necessary actions. However, the detailed order on the matter is still pending. The ruling has sparked discussions about the balance between cultural education and religious freedom in the Indian school system.

The decision underscores the growing emphasis on secularism in education, particularly in a state where religious diversity is significant. Critics argue that the ruling could set a precedent for similar challenges in other states, while supporters see it as a crucial step toward ensuring that all students, regardless of faith, are treated equally. The case also highlights the importance of clear guidelines in school policies to prevent the imposition of religious practices on a pluralistic society.