Indian court maintains Hindu prayers in public schools

What has the Chhattisgarh government mandated for schools?

A government order established that Hindu prayers and mantras must be recited compulsorily during morning assemblies, meal breaks and at the end of classes. In addition to prayers, the instruction includes national anthems and excerpts from biographies of historical figures.

What was the Superior Court’s justification for maintaining the measure?

Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad dismissed an appeal against the move as ‘premature’. According to the judge, the request was based on fears and not on real losses that had already occurred, advising that critics seek justice again if abusive demands arise in the future.

How did Christian leaders and minorities react to the decision?

Leaders such as Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur expressed shock and frustration. Groups such as the Progressive Christian Alliance claim the ruling fails to protect the rights of students who now face pressure to participate in religious rituals outside their own faith.

What does the Constitution of India say on the subject?

The Indian Constitution, specifically Article 30, guarantees religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions. Critics claim that the new obligation on state schools violates the principle of a democratic and secular state.

Are there practical measures to ensure prayers take place?

Yes. The government has already started transferring funds to rural schools to install sound systems for prayers. Furthermore, the order provides punishments for school units that do not strictly implement the established guidelines and recitations.