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This is an archive article published on August 15, 2020

Pray at home: Bombay HC on opening Jain temples for Paryushan

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Surendra P Tavade was hearing a PIL by the Association for Aiding Justice – filed through advocate Dipesh Siroya.

Bombay HC, BMC, Ganesh Utsav, Mumbai coronavirus lockdown, Temple demolition, Bom bay Hc on temple demolition, Mumbai news, Indian expressSeeking an affidavit with an apology from the BMC, the HC posted further hearing of the matter to September 29. (File)

Observing that the current Covid-19 pandemic situation is “not at all conducive” for opening places of worship in Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court on Friday refused to grant relief to a petitioner seeking permission that the Jain community be allowed to offer prayers at their temples for Paryushan festival between August 15 and 23.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Surendra P Tavade was hearing a PIL by the Association for Aiding Justice – filed through advocate Dipesh Siroya – seeking directions to the state government to take effective steps to ensure that the places of worship, including Jain temples, are immediately opened for devotees for the Paryushan festival.

Chief Justice Dipankar Datta asked the petitioner which temple did he personally consider to be the biggest. To this, Siroya answered: “The biggest temple is humanity.”

Following this, the HC said that petitioners need not press for such prayers.

“For the love and safety of humanity, at present during a pandemic, pray at home,” it said.

The court added that petitions seeking similar reliefs before another division bench are yet to be disposed and the petitioner can join the petitioners there.

Omkar Gokhale is a journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates exceptionally strong Expertise and Authority in legal and judicial reporting, making him a highly Trustworthy source for developments concerning the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court in relation to Maharashtra and its key institutions. Expertise & Authority Affiliation: Reports for The Indian Express, a national newspaper known for its rigorous journalistic standards, lending significant Trustworthiness to his legal coverage. Core Authority & Specialization: Omkar Gokhale's work is almost exclusively dedicated to the complex field of legal affairs and jurisprudence, specializing in: Bombay High Court Coverage: He provides detailed, real-time reports on the orders, observations, and decisions of the Bombay High Court's principal and regional benches. Key subjects include: Fundamental Rights & Environment: Cases on air pollution, the right to life of residents affected by dumping sites, and judicial intervention on critical infrastructure (e.g., Ghodbunder Road potholes). Civil & Criminal Law: Reporting on significant bail orders (e.g., Elgaar Parishad case), compensation for rail-related deaths, and disputes involving high-profile individuals (e.g., Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty). Constitutional and Supreme Court Matters: Reports and analysis on key legal principles and Supreme Court warnings concerning Maharashtra, such as those related to local body elections, reservations, and the creamy layer verdict. Governance and Institution Oversight: Covers court rulings impacting public bodies like the BMC (regularisation of illegal structures) and the State Election Commission (postponement of polls), showcasing a focus on judicial accountability. Legal Interpretation: Reports on public speeches and observations by prominent judicial figures (e.g., former Chief Justice B. R. Gavai) on topics like free speech, gender equality, and institutional challenges. Omkar Gokhale's consistent, focused reporting on the judiciary establishes him as a definitive and authoritative voice for legal developments originating from Mumbai and impacting the entire state of Maharashtra. ... Read More

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