New Delhi: The sixth day of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha was tumultuous. During the discussion on the motion of thanks on the President’s address, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi fiercely attacked the BJP on the issue of Shiva, Hindus and Hindutva. Rahul said, “Those who call themselves Hindus, they keep on saying violence-violence-violence 24 hours a day..hatred-hatred-hatred… you are not Hindus at all. It is clearly written in Hindu religion (religion) that one should support the truth.” MP from Godda, Jharkhand, Nishikant Dubey, strongly objected to this statement of Rahul Gandhi. Dubey also mentioned Article 25 of the Constitution.
Nishikant Dubey, while replying to Rahul Gandhi, MP from Rae Bareli and Leader of Opposition, said, “These people talk about the Constitution. Article 25 of the same Constitution says that no person can call anyone a violent person on the basis of any religion. They have called Hindus violent. They have insulted the Constitution. They should apologize. They are not above the Constitution. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi and Congress, are they above the Constitution?”
Guarantee of the fundamental right to freedom of religion
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of religion. It includes various aspects related to the freedom to believe, follow and propagate religion. Freedom of religion under this article is subject to reasonable restrictions imposed in the interest of public order, morality and health. This means that individuals have the right to follow their religion, but this should not hinder the goodwill of society or violate the well-being of others.
Difference between religious practices and secular activities
Article 25 distinguishes between religious practices and secular activities associated with religious institutions. The state has the right to regulate or prohibit secular activities that may be associated with religious practices. Such as social reform, economic activities and other activities related to the core aspects of religion.
Right to manage religious affairs
This also includes the right of religious denominations or any of their sections to manage their religious affairs, including the establishment and maintenance of religious institutions. As long as they do not violate any other law or public order.
Can legal action be taken against Rahul Gandhi?
Nishikant Dubey has cornered Rahul Gandhi citing Article 25 of the Constitution. BJP definitely makes an issue of any statement related to Hindutva by the opposition, Congress or Rahul Gandhi. In such a situation, it is clear that BJP will not let Rahul Gandhi’s latest statement go just like that. It is possible that the party may demand action against the Leader of Opposition citing violation of Article 25.
PM Modi will reply in Lok Sabha on Tuesday
16 hours were allotted in the Lok Sabha to discuss the motion of thanks brought on the President’s address. PM Narendra Modi will reply to the Motion of Thanks at 4 pm on Tuesday. With this the discussion on the Motion of Thanks will end. Whereas 21 hours were allotted for discussion on the Motion of Thanks brought in Rajya Sabha on the President’s address. In such a situation, PM Modi is expected to reply in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.