In an unexpected legal development, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Allahabad High Court, seeking a ban on the forthcoming consecration programme of the idol of Ram Lalla in the under-construction temple in Ayodhya.
The ceremony, set to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, faces objections raised by Shankaracharya regarding Praan Pratishthaa, deemed contrary to the Sanatan tradition.
The petitioner, Bhola Das of Ghaziabad, alleges that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leveraging the religious event for political gains, particularly in the context of the impending Lok Sabha elections. Urging an immediate hearing, Das emphasizes that a religious program is scheduled for January 22 in Ayodhya, involving the consecration of the idol of Ramlala in the temple under construction.
The PIL outlines several objections. Firstly, it contends that the consecration has faced criticism from Shankaracharyas. Secondly, the petitioner argues that religious programs are traditionally not organized in the Hindi month of Pus, and with Purnima falling on January 25, no religious events should be held until then. Thirdly, it asserts that consecrating a deity in an incomplete temple is improper, stressing that such ceremonies should occur only in completed structures.
The participation of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Yogi in the Pran Pratistha program is deemed against the Constitution, as it is believed to contradict constitutional principles promoting brotherhood. The petitioner contends that their involvement could negatively impact the country's sense of brotherhood, going against the spirit of the Constitution.
Advocate Anil Kumar Bind, representing the petitioner, stated that the PIL was filed on Tuesday, with efforts aimed at securing expedited consideration and acceptance by the High Court.
Simultaneously, the Allahabad High Court has declined to hear a separate PIL challenging a government order issued by the Chief Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Government. The order, issued on December 21, 2023, prohibits bhajans, kirtans, and the reading of Ramcharit Manas in all temples of the state on January 22, 2024. Additionally, the government order mandates the recitation and Rath/Kalash Yatra in all cities.
The second PIL, filed by Advocate Narottam Shukla, the State President of the All India Lawyers Union (AILU), Uttar Pradesh, argues that the Chief Secretary's mandate contradicts the secular character of the Indian Constitution and Articles 25, 26, and 27. The PIL contends that the Constitution mandates the state to remain independent from any religious activity or event.
While seeking urgent attention from the court, the petitioner asserts that the government order goes against the principles of secularism and infringes on constitutional provisions. However, the Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta's court has deemed the matter not urgent, deferring its hearing. The government order instructs District Magistrates to organize Bhajan-Kirtan, Ramayana, Ramcharit Manas Path, Rath, and Kalash Yatra on January 22, with the involvement of various government employees and financial support from the District Cultural Council for the celebration of the consecration of the idol of Lord Ramlala in Ayodhya.
