HC trashes petition for formation of body to protect Sanatan Dharma

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking direction for the constitution of the Sanatan Dharm Raksha Board.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said the court could not entertain the plea since the issue fell within the policy domain. The court also asked the petitioner, Sanathan Hindu Sewa Sangh Trust, to approach the government for seeking its constitution.

The plea said the followers of Sanatan Dharma known as Hindu Dharm have no any kind of board or government body that can protect their rights and customs.

The court, while disposing of the PIL, remarked that it lacked the knowledge or capability to grant the prayers sought in the plea.

The petitioner had sought the creation of a government body for the Hindu community akin to government bodies like the Muslim Waqf Boards and the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

The plea raised concerns about alleged attacks on Sanatan Dharma, claiming that individuals from other religious communities were engaging in activities such as religious conversions, which the petitioner argued were against the customs and wishes of Sanatan Dharma followers.

The PIL also pointed out that many temples in India are managed by the Central and state governments, which collect revenue from them.

The court, after hearing the matter, granted the petitioner the liberty to approach the government for redressal of their concerns.