The Jharkhand High Court directed the state government to provide information about the circumstances surrounding the allocation of a room in the Jharkhand assembly for offering namaz. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a group alleging that the allocation of a room for prayer to members of a particular community constitutes a violation of fundamental rights.
The division bench, consisting of Chief Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra and Justice Ananda Sen, asked the state government to file an affidavit regarding the matter. The court set the next hearing date for May 18.
The PIL claimed that the equal right to religion has been breached by allotting room TW 348 for offering Namaz in September 2021. This move led to protests by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which demanded a Hanuman temple be built on the assembly premises.
The issue has been a subject of controversy since the allocation of the room. While some argue that the decision is an infringement on the religious rights of others, others see it as a move to promote religious harmony and inclusivity.
The court’s decision to seek clarification on the matter indicates the importance of ensuring that decisions made by public institutions are in line with the principles of fairness, equality, and justice.
In a diverse country like India, it is crucial that public institutions are seen as unbiased and impartial. Any decision that appears to favor one community over another can lead to disharmony and unrest. It is, therefore, important that the state government provide the court with all relevant information to allow for a just and fair decision.
In conclusion, the Jharkhand High Court’s decision to seek clarification on the allocation of a room in the assembly for namaz is a positive development. It is a reminder that public institutions must ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of all communities, and that the principles of fairness and equality are upheld.