Delhi High Court

PIL in Delhi HC Seeking Inclusion of ‘Dharma and Religion’ in School Syllabus

 A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court, seeking the Central and Delhi state governments to introduce a chapter on ‘Dharma and Religion’ in the primary and secondary school syllabus. The purpose is to educate the public and mitigate religious-based hatred and hate speech.

The petition further urges the Centre and Delhi State Government to use the appropriate meaning of “Religion” as “Panth” or “Sampradaya,” rather than “Dharma,” as a synonym for religion in official documents such as Birth Certificates, AADHAAR Cards, School Certificates, Ration Cards, Driving Licences, Domicile Certificates, Death Certificates, and Bank Accounts, among others.

The plea has been filed by Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, a practicing lawyer and Delhi BJP leader. It argues that Dharma is non-divisive, non-exclusive, and non-conclusive. Dharma is a quest to comprehend the cosmic order of the universe and the order of consciousness at a personal level. In fact, “Dharma” transcends the narrow boundaries of religion.

According to the petition, Dharma offers boundless freedom of choice in methods and goals. It is inherently secular and can even encompass those who question Dharma itself. Dharma encourages free inquiry and does not seek to confine people to specific categories or denominations. This inherent tolerance and inclusivity enabled people in ancient times to pursue faiths independently of their rulers and vice versa.

It emphasizes that the rights and duties of rulers and citizens, although never codified, were always respected. Each institution in society and each individual instinctively knew where to draw the line and define limits. Tolerance is thus integral to Dharma, and plurality is inherent in it. These attributes of tolerance and plurality are not present in the concept of religion, the petition adds.

It also highlights that “Panth” and “Sampradaya” have some lack of knowledge and involve aspects that are not always logical. History has witnessed numerous wars and conflicts in the name of religion, which often influences a mass of people. In religion, people tend to follow a particular path or someone. In contrast, Dharma is an expression of wisdom.

The petition argues that Dharma and Religion have entirely distinct meanings, but government officials and employees of both the Centre and State often use the term “Dharma” as a synonym for “Religion” in various official documents, as well as in their verbal and written communication.

 

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Punjab & Haryana HC Notice To Jindal Law School Over AI-Generated Exam Claims

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday has issued a notice to Jindal Global…

2 hours ago

ED Files Money Laundering Complaint Against Charanjit Singh Bajaj, 4 Others

The ED on Tuesday has filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Special Court in Mohali…

2 hours ago

Pune Porsche Case: SC Rejects Anticipatory Bail To Father Of Minor Driver’s Friend

The Supreme Court on Tuesday denied bail to Arunkumar Devnath Singh, whose son is a…

3 hours ago

SC Dumps Plea Against Quashing LOC For Sushant Singh Rajput’s Ex-House Help

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Centre's appeal against a Bombay High Court order…

4 hours ago

Rape Case: SC Issues Notice On Ex-Army Officer’s Plea For Quashing Charge sheet

The Supreme Court on Tuesday has agreed to review a plea from retired Army Captain…

4 hours ago

Chhattisgarh NAN Scam: FIR Against 2 Retired IAS Officers, Former AG

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday has registered a case against 2 retired IAS officers…

5 hours ago