Effect of HJS efforts: Criminal charge against denigration of ‘Om’

Nagpur: Shri. Vasant Davakhare, the Deputy Chairman of Legislative Council directed to file criminal charges against the manufacturers of ‘Om Special Pandharpuri Tambakhu’ within 24 hours and ordered that they should be banned from using ‘Om’ on the packets of tobacco. Shri. Pandurang Fudkar, the leader of Opposition had raised the point of propriety in the matter. HJS had earlier objected to use of ‘Om’ on tobacco packets and submitted an application with the concerned departments of Indian and the State Government to get information on use of emblems for commercial purposes. On receiving the information in writing from the Indian Government, members of HJS met Shri. Fudkar and apprised him about the issue. He raised the issue in the House and got justice. Shri. Ramesh Shinde, the spokesperson of HJS has therefore, thanked Shri. Fudkar.

‘Om’ is a holy sign for thousands of Hindus. It is printed on packets of a bad product like tobacco. All over the State, these packets are sold. After chewing tobacco, the packets are thrown on the roads, in the gutters and are trampled. This is hurting feelings of Hindus. Shri. Fudkar, thus raised the point of propriety and drew attention of the House. He said that even in the last session, Shiv Sena had demanded to take action on the manufacturers of the product and Shri. Davakhare had given instructions to the Government to take appropriate action but nothing has been done. Under the ‘Use of emblems for commercial purposes Act, 1999- clause 9 (2) (B), ‘Om’ cannot be used for commercial purposes. Even then, it is being used by the manufacturers, pointed out Shri. Fudkar. Shri. Davakhare said that it is a serious matter if no action has been taken on the last instructions and directed to take action within 24 hours by filing criminal case against the manufacturer.