GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Sept. The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the central government to promptly consider a petition advocating for a clear distinction between “religion” and “dharma” in official documents. The petition emphasizes that the term “religion” should not be treated as synonymous with “dharma” and calls for the inclusion of both terms in the curriculum of primary and secondary education to combat religion-based hatred and promote understanding.
During the hearing, a bench led by Chief Justice Designate Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela clarified that the judiciary is not equipped to act as a theological or philosophical authority. They expressed concern that the court was being asked to intervene in matters best suited for educational experts, stating, “We are no one to get into all this… we don’t decide the school curriculum.”
The court advised that the petition should be submitted as a representation to the Union ministries of Culture and Education, which are tasked with addressing such matters. “If we start inserting chapters in the school curriculum, I think that will be the end of the matter,” Justice Manmohan remarked, emphasizing the need for the relevant ministries to evaluate the issue based on existing laws.
The petitioner contended that “dharma” represents a non-divisive and inclusive philosophy, in contrast to the more exclusive nature of “religion.” They argued that the use of “dharma” in various official documents, including birth certificates and identification cards, should be standardized, proposing that individuals be identified according to their respective “sampradaya” (community) rather than broad religious labels.
The petition highlighted that religion has historically been a divisive force, contributing to conflict, whereas “dharma” promotes unity and wisdom. It called for a shift in societal perceptions and language to foster a more inclusive understanding of these concepts.
The court concluded by reiterating its limited role in matters of semantics and the organic evolution of language, underscoring that the interpretation of terms must reflect societal changes rather than court dictates.
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