Minority Commission raps Andhra

‘Sanatana Dharma Parishad is against secularism’
By U Sudhakar Reddy
Hyderabad, March 7: The National Commission for Minorities has slammed the state government for banning propagation of other religions in the vicinity of 20 temples including the Tirumala shrine. The NCM in its recommendations said prima facie the ban was not in the line with the provisions of Constitution relating to freedom of religion. "The ban cuts at the very root of what minorities have the right to expect from a sensitive and caring government," the NCM said.
It accused the government of violating the Constitution by establishing the Sanatana Dharma Parishad for the propagation of Hinduism. The government should undo the legislation as a token of its commitment to secularism, he said. The commission said there were provisions in the Indian Penal Code 153 A(2) and 505 (3) to deal with the offences committed at places of worship.
The NCM said that apart from the "clear deviation" from the Constitution, the government should "seriously consider the effect such legislation will have on the sense of security of all minorities... it is causing anxiety not merely to the Christian community but to all the minorities." The NCM suggested that those opposing the legislation should take the matter to court. The AP Legislative Assembly had passed Act No. 24 of 2007 empowering the state to prohibit the propagation of other religions at select temples. The Governor gave consent on August 13, 2007.
The commission noted that the ban was originally meant for the Tirumala shrine but later applied to other temples. "It would appear that the ban will extend to some 300 square kilometres," it said.
"The government order doesn’t define the geographical limits of the notified temples where the ban will be enforced." Church authorities told the NCM that the ban violated the fundamental rights of non-Hindu citizens and feared that it would provoke right-wing Hindu groups to intimidate non-Hindus. The NCM observed that instances have already taken place. Asked about the report, the TTD central dharmik council chairman, Mr P.V.R.K. Prasad, said: "They have to think of the situation which led to this ban where the majority has to be protected from minorities."
"Is it the right thing for other religions to come and propagate on the premises of temples," he asked. The commission questioned the government on the Bill to amend the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institution and Endowment Act. It asked the government to delete certain provisions especially the one introducing Section 152 A. The government has control over the resources of TTD and other temples under the Endowments Act, Mr Prasad said.
"When they are controlling the resources, and the involvement of government is being accepted in managing the resources, why should not the government take up the cause of dharma pracharam," Mr Prasad said. "It is the duty of the government, the TTD and the endowments department to promote Hinduism as it is controlling the resources."