Religious Functions should not be conducted in the Government Offices - Madras High Court

The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has held that the Religious Functions should not be conducted in the Government Offices.

The Bench Comprising Mr Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla and Ms Justice K B K Vasuki said that the State government should take all steps to ensure that no religious functions were conducted or religious structures built within the precincts of government offices as stipulated in a Government Order issued by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department( P&ARD) on December 13, 1993.

Disposing of a public interest litigation petition, the bench said:

“When such a Government Order has been issued, it is the responsibility of the State to ensure that such a prohibition made under the said G.O. is implemented in letter and spirit.

We, therefore, state that the respondents (Government) should…take all possible steps for maintaining communal harmony in government offices without giving room for any hitch from any quarters.”

Petitioner S.P. Muthu Raman, a social activist from Tirunelveli, had sought a direction to the Chief Secretary as well as the P&ARDSecretary to restrain the conduct of all sorts of religious activities in government office premises.

He had also sought for a direction to appoint a committee to ensure effective implementation of the ban.

- Asian Tribune -