Reacting to the recent conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding formulation of stricter guidelines and laws to tackle illegal activities in such ashrams to ensure the safety of women.
DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal wrote to Mr. Modi on Thursday recommending implementation of stricter laws for religious institutions which have residential complexes.
‘Criminal elements’
Highlighting the fact that many women are drawn to religious institutions, Ms. Maliwal wrote, “Many people, particularly women and girls, are drawn to various ashrams in the country with dreams of leading a highly-esteemed spiritual life. However, certain criminal elements have managed to masquerade as gurus, thereby misusing the immense faith put in them by the people for satisfying their own selfish agenda.”
Raising concerns over activities taking place within the ashrams, the letter said, “The situation is particularly precarious for those girls and women who live in ashrams run by such criminal babas, as they become easy prey for sexual and other torture.”
District committees
The DCW demanded the constitution of district committees comprising of judicial and government authorities, and civil society members to conduct regular inspections of ashrams and religious institutions.
“All ashrams and spiritual centres which have residential centres or house any number of followers should be mandated to register such residential centres with the district authorities. Failure to ensure the same should attract strict penal action” read the letter.
‘Safeguard minors’
In order to safeguard minors, the DCW also recommended registers to monitor admission of such minors into these ashrams.
“It should be mandated that all minors are first interviewed and counselled by the CWC in order to ascertain their consent. This will ensure that no child is forcibly sent to such centres at the behest of parents or other persons,” Ms. Maliwal said.
Further, the Commission recommended that steps should be taken to ensure awareness among the residents to approach counsellors in case of distress.