New Delhi: Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice Markandey Katju in an article published on Indicanews.com has slammed the fringe right-wing groups and people who compel minorities to say ‘Jai Shri Ram’ in India.

In the article titled “Lord Ram treated all citizens as his children” which was published on the website on Wednesday, Justice Katju has termed people “bigoted” who try to compel persons of the minorities to say Jai Shri Ram, a Hindu war cry.

“Some bigoted people try to forcibly compel persons of the minority community in India to say ‘Jai Shri Ram.' But do such people really know about Ram?” Justice Katju has questioned in the article.

ALSO READ: Subramanian Swamy says he is horrified with Home Ministry’s decision to release Bilkis Bano rapists

“If Ram had been the king of India today, he would have taken care of not only Hindus, but also Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and others, and he would have severely punished those who oppressed or committed atrocities on minorities.” Justice Katju’s article read.

“Recently, some bigoted people have forced some members of the minority community to say ‘Jai Shri Ram’, and often beaten those who do not. These people have defamed Ram, who would never have approved of their actions, and would instead have punished them.” He further added.

“The misfortune is that most of these votaries of Lord Ram have not even read the original Ramayan of Valmiki, and they know little of his great qualities.”

ALSO READ: UP CM Adityanath meets RSS chief Bhagwat; population issue 'discussed', say sources

He has also recounted a part of Valmiki’s Ramayan when the King of Ayodhya Dashrath intended to hand over his throne to his eldest son Ram when he himself became old. “Before doing so, he invited Ayodhya’s citizens to weigh in on Ram being fit to be their next king.” It added.

“The citizens replied: “Oh king! We shall tell you the various virtues of your wise son, listen to them. His qualities are excellent. He is liked by all. He gives happiness to all.”

“Thus, far from being an oppressor, Ram was like a father to the people. A good father takes care of all his children. He is not selective. He does not take care of only some while oppressing others.” The article further added along with several other qualities of Ram the citizens counted before King Dashrath.

The original article can be read by clicking here.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Hyderabad (PTI): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday said that society should take the safety and security of women as a social responsibility, as making legislation or measures by the police would not alone be adequate to ensure their safety.

Speaking after launching 'Stand With Her' (a campaign of men standing for women) of the women's wing of Telangana Police, he said people should develop a practice of raising an objection when any incidents of trouble to women happens.

Observing that crimes against women using social media and technology, including deep fake videos, he said the state government has empowered the cyber crime wing to check such crimes.

"If Telangana is making rapid progress, there are appropriate opportunities available in government or private, corporate sectors. If they have to excel in job and livelihood opportunities, women should have safety. Making legislations and police taking measures would not be adequate. We all have to take it as a social responsibility," he said.

He said adopting an indifferent attitude and looking the other way when women face any inconvenience also amounts to encouraging the crimes in a way.

He said every youth should be a brand ambassador for women's protection in the state.

Observing that the Congress government has always been at the forefront in recognising the importance of women, he said a slew of women empowerment schemes were already launched.

He cited the examples of ration cards and 'Indiramma' houses for poor being provided in the name of women and loans to self-help groups.