Priest Challenges Delhi Police Ban on Gatherings During Dussehra and Navratri
A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court by Sunil, a priest from the famous Kalkaji Temple in Delhi, challenging the Delhi Police’s order banning gatherings of five or more people from September 30 to October 5. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, is said to affect Dussehra and Navratri celebrations.
Sunil, who is also the Secretary of Manas Naman Sewa Society, filed the plea through advocate Prateek Chadha. The petitioner argues that the ban hinders religious festivities and fundamental rights. The Ramlila and the fair around it, which see significant footfall each year, are particularly affected.
The plea seeks to quash the order, stating that it disrupts long-standing traditions and the general day-to-day life of Delhi’s residents. The petitioner also mentioned that the reasons provided for the ban do not relate to any emergency or unforeseen circumstance.
Meanwhile, AAP minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the order as impractical, especially ahead of the festive season.
Doubts Revealed
Priest -: A priest is a person who performs religious ceremonies and duties in a temple or church. In this case, Sunil is a priest from Kalkaji Temple.
Delhi Police -: Delhi Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in Delhi, the capital city of India.
Dussehra -: Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It marks the end of Navratri and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India.
Navratri -: Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. It involves fasting, dancing, and other religious activities.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial court in India. It has the authority to hear and decide on important legal matters.
Kalkaji Temple -: Kalkaji Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Delhi dedicated to the goddess Kali. It is a popular place of worship, especially during festivals.
Section 163 -: Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, is a legal rule that allows authorities to ban gatherings of people for safety reasons.
Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 -: Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, is a set of laws in India aimed at ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
Fundamental rights -: Fundamental rights are basic human rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, such as the right to freedom of speech and religion.
AAP minister Saurabh Bharadwaj -: Saurabh Bharadwaj is a minister from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a political party in India. He criticized the Delhi Police’s order as impractical.
