MUMBAI: The state government on Thursday said it cannot allow Jain temples to open for the Paryushan festival as it has taken a decision to continue to close all places of worship to avoid the spread of Covid-19. The Bombay high court backed the decision. "It is the duty of every right thinking person at this stage to balance their religious duties with public duty and their responsibility toward the rest of mankind," said a bench of Justices Shahrukh Kathawalla and Madhav Jamdar in their order.
Government pleader Poornima Kantharia had submitted the decision of the secretary, disaster management, rejecting representations by Bhandup resident Ankit Vora and two Jain trusts which had moved high court to allow temples of Shwetamber Murtipujak Jains to open in Mumbai from August 15- 23 for Paryushan festival.
The secretary's order said as on August 11 there are over 5.35 lakh Covid-19 cases and 18,306 deaths in Maharashtra. Of these, Mumbai has 1.25 lakh cases.
"The state government has taken a conscious policy decision to continue to close all places of worship and not to permit any religious congregations without any exception," the order stated.
It added that considering the situation in Maharashtra and particularly Mumbai, Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune region, it is not possible to permit opening of Jain temples for Paryushan. The order said restrictions were followed for festivals like Gudi Padwa, Mahavir Jayanti, Easter, Bakri Eid and Janmashtami.
The judges said, "Whilst we appreciate the religious fervour of Jain community...we are of the view members of the public should appreciate that the Centre as well as the state government, who despite being overburdened, have left no stone unturned in taking all possible measures to safeguard health of its citizens and that the restrictions are in their larger interest."
Declining urgent relief to the petitioners and adjourning hearing in the case to September, the Bombay high court bench said they must await fresh guidelines.
"This is a sensitive issue. Wait for a few days. God is with you and God is everywhere," said Justice Kathawalla.
Government pleader Poornima Kantharia had submitted the decision of the secretary, disaster management, rejecting representations by Bhandup resident Ankit Vora and two Jain trusts which had moved high court to allow temples of Shwetamber Murtipujak Jains to open in Mumbai from August 15- 23 for Paryushan festival.
The secretary's order said as on August 11 there are over 5.35 lakh Covid-19 cases and 18,306 deaths in Maharashtra. Of these, Mumbai has 1.25 lakh cases.
"The state government has taken a conscious policy decision to continue to close all places of worship and not to permit any religious congregations without any exception," the order stated.
It added that considering the situation in Maharashtra and particularly Mumbai, Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune region, it is not possible to permit opening of Jain temples for Paryushan. The order said restrictions were followed for festivals like Gudi Padwa, Mahavir Jayanti, Easter, Bakri Eid and Janmashtami.
The judges said, "Whilst we appreciate the religious fervour of Jain community...we are of the view members of the public should appreciate that the Centre as well as the state government, who despite being overburdened, have left no stone unturned in taking all possible measures to safeguard health of its citizens and that the restrictions are in their larger interest."
Declining urgent relief to the petitioners and adjourning hearing in the case to September, the Bombay high court bench said they must await fresh guidelines.
"This is a sensitive issue. Wait for a few days. God is with you and God is everywhere," said Justice Kathawalla.
Coronavirus outbreak
Trending Topics
LATEST VIDEOS
More from TOI
Navbharat Times
Featured Today in Travel
Get the app