Kerala - Kollam   

Move to prosecute rationalist leader criticised

By Our Staff Reporter

KOLLAM, JAN. 28. The CPI leader and former editor of Janayugam, Thengamam Balakrishnan, has protested against the order of the State Government to prosecute the general secretary of the Bharatiya Rationalists Association, Sreeni Pattathanam.

The State Government had given the sanction to prosecute Mr. Pattathanam, P.S. Kumar the owner of the publishing company and S. Saji, the printer in connection with authoring and publishing of a book `Mata Amritanandamayi: Divyakathakalum Yatharthyangalum'. The order followed directions from the High Court to the Home Department for considering an application by an inmate of the Mata Amritanandamayi Ashramam, T.K. Ajan, to prosecute the three.

In a statement here today, the CPI leader said that Mr. Pattathanam had only written a book to expose some facts centering around super human powers. Mr. Pattathanam had in no way insulted any God or religion. Thus it can in no way be said that the book had hurt religious sentiments. No one can also claim to have a monopoly over the Hindu religion. Mr. Balakrishnan said that such a sanction for prosecution happening in the land of Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai and Kesari Balakrishna Pillai during the 21st century is a shame. Calling upon all progressive forces and those who stand for freedom of expression to condemn the prosecution order against Mr. Pattathanam, Mr. Balakrishnan wanted the Government to revoke the order.

Meanwhile the Bharathiya Rationalists Association has protested against the move to prosecute Mr. Pattathanam. The association said that the Chief Minister who was Constitutionally duty bound to vouch the cause of rational and scientific ideas was acting to the contrary. The move is tantamount to eliminating those who try to spread scientific awareness against superstitions. It is also an infringement on the freedom of expression, the statement noted.

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