A public holiday declared by the Maharashtra government for the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22nd has hit a roadblock in the Bombay High Court. Four law students have filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the decision, raising concerns about its legality and potential discriminatory impact.
The petitioners argue that declaring a holiday for a religious event violates Article 27 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits the state from promoting or maintaining any particular religion. They contend that the government's action sets a dangerous precedent, potentially favoring one religion over others and putting undue financial strain on businesses due to the mandated closure.
The Maharashtra government, on the other hand, defends its decision by citing the immense cultural and emotional significance of the Ram Temple inauguration for a large section of the population. They argue that the holiday is a symbolic gesture of respect and celebration, not an act of religious promotion.
The Bombay High Court is expected to hear the plea soon, adding another layer of complexity to the highly anticipated temple inauguration. The decision could have a wider impact on future government actions related to religious holidays and potentially spark debate about the separation of religion and state in India.
