62 Hindu spiritual leaders condemn Yati Narsinghanand's hate speech, call for action
New Delhi: A group of 62 Hindu spiritual leaders, under the banner of Satya Dharam Samvad (SDS), have strongly criticised the divisive rhetoric propagated by controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand during the ongoing "World Religion Convention," scheduled from December 17 to 21, 2024.
In their statement, the leaders condemned the Dharam Sansad event, calling it a deviation from the principles of Sanatan Dharma. They highlighted the dangers posed by provocative speeches targeting specific faiths, warning that such acts undermine Hinduism's spiritual sanctity and threaten the unity and harmony of the nation, which thrives on diversity and interfaith coexistence.
Signatories of the statement include representatives from the Lingayat Community, Varkari Sampraday, The Purple Pandit Project, Vishwanath Mandir, School of Bhagavat Gita, and Balkram Mandir. The leaders collectively urged society to reject hate speech and promote interfaith understanding.
“As guardians of Hinduism’s profound and inclusive legacy, we are deeply troubled by the growing misuse of religion to foster hatred, division, and violence within our society,” the statement read. It further condemned gatherings, actions, or words promoting hatred, asserting that such behaviour is contrary to Hindu values and teachings.
The leaders also expressed disapproval of the exploitation of religion for political or divisive agendas. They emphasised that Hinduism does not need to undermine other faiths to establish its strength, advocating for spiritual growth through introspection, compassion, and shared humanity.
The SDS called upon authorities to take decisive action against individuals manipulating religion for selfish or political purposes, ensuring justice and fairness prevail.
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Karnataka HC quashes FIR against three men accused of 'preaching Islam' near temple premises
Bengaluru, Jul 25 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court has quashed a First Information Report (FIR) filed against three Muslim men who were accused of "preaching Islam" and distributing religious pamphlets near a Hindu temple in Jamkhandi, Bagalkot district.
The complaint had alleged that the men attempted religious conversion by making promises of employment and passed derogatory remarks about Hinduism.
However, the High Court held that there was no substantial evidence of coercion, fraud, or inducement--criteria necessary for prosecution under the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022.
The court made it clear that mere expression or distribution of religious literature does not amount to an offence unless accompanied by forceful or deceitful attempts to convert.
"The essence of a free society lies in the freedom to express, discuss, and propagate beliefs," the bench observed.
It further stated that peaceful preaching, in the absence of coercion or allurement, is protected under Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely profess and propagate one's religion.
Additionally, the bench noted that the complainant in the case was neither the alleged victim nor a relative of one. As per Section 4 of the 2022 Act, only an aggrieved individual or their close relatives are permitted to lodge such complaints--making the FIR procedurally invalid.
