Chhattisgarh High Court Strikes Down Mandatory Hindu Prayers in Schools

The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that students cannot be forced to recite Hindu prayers in government schools, dismissing a petition challenging a state circular mandating such practices. The court granted petitioners the right to reapproach if any student is compelled to participate. The circular, issued by the School Education Department, directed schools to conduct daily recitations of Hindu religious texts and prayers, including the Saraswati Vandana, Gayatri Mantra, and Shanti Mantra, along with the National Anthem and National Song. Petitioners argued that this violated secularism and students' fundamental rights. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the court's order.