Santhara – Custom followed by Jain community
Why customs and traditions of only Hindus and Jains are targeted ?
Jain community’s street protest against ban on ‘Santhara’
Mumbai – Rajasthan High Court has imposed ban on the custom of ‘Santhara’ and Jain community is strongly reacting to the decision. Thousands of people from Jain community protested on the roads at Bhaindar (Dist. Thane), Mumbai, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Sambhajinagar and Nasik to oppose the ban. Elected representatives from this community also joined the agitations. They protested, in peaceful manner, against the decision of Court.
Mumbai : Rajasthan High Court has recently passed an order banning custom of ‘Santhara’ followed by Jain community.
‘Santhara’ or ‘Sallekhana’ is a custom which is a part of spiritual practice followed by Jains. ‘Sallekhana’ is an observance and permission is not given so easily to follow the same. There are some rules which are to be adhered to, but nobody is forced to take up this observance. Nobody has been harmed by taking up such observance so far nor has any imbalance created in the community due to such observance. ‘Santhara’ is undertaken as per own wish and death is approached in steps; therefore, decision of Rajasthan High Court to impose ban on the said custom is injustice to Jain community, is the stand taken by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), said Shri. Sunil Ghanwat.
Why customs and traditions of only Hindus and Jains are targeted ?
It has been stated in a petition that on one hand, a custom followed and accepted by Jain community is being banned and on the other hand, ban is not imposed either on cow-slaughter or slaughter-houses in this country. Isn’t this double standard ?
Muslims are openly using roads, railway platforms to offer Namaz, disregarding inconvenience caused to other citizens at public places. No action is ever taken although Namaz causes traffic and noise pollution; besides creating other problems. We say that law is same for all in this country but why no action is taken against Muslims on this issue ?
In a verdict passed by Supreme Court, it has been mentioned that loudspeakers should not be used during 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. Implementation of this order is not yet undertaken in respect of loud-speakers at Mosques. Muslims take out march during Moharam; cause injuries to self which can also lead to death; but such customs that followed openly are never banned by Government or Court.
Indian Constitution gives freedom to every citizen to follow any faith and practice.
‘Santhara’ is a practice followed under Jain Sect. We do not agree with the decision taken by Rajasthan Court, since freedom of religion should not be attacked.
We request the Government to immediately intervene and change this decision by passing necessary law.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
