The Hindu : Karnataka News : `Festival of Blessings' can't be banned, says Govt.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 20, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

`Festival of Blessings' can't be banned, says Govt.

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, JAN. 19. The State Government will file an affidavit in the Karnataka High Court on Thursday stating its position on the "Festival of Blessings" to be held in Bangalore for three days from Friday.

To be filed by the Commissioner of Police, S. Mariswamy, the affidavit will be the Government's answer to the charges and allegations in the three public interest litigation (PIL) petitions likely to come up before a Division Bench on Thursday.

The Government advocate, V.Y. Kumar, said the affidavit will make clear the Government stand on the issue. The Government is likely to contend that there is no law to prevent conversions and as such it is not possible to ban the event. Permission for the event will not amount to encouraging communalism, it says. Article 25 (1) of the Constitution guarantees every person and not merely to a citizen of India, freedom of conscience and the right to preach, profess, practice and propagate religion.

The affidavit states that Paul Thangaiah and T. Yeshwanth Kumar have published a pamphlet in which idol worship is grouped with prostitution, magic and alcoholism and those practising them are asked to pray by accepting Jesus Christ. Four private complaints have been lodged before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate who had referred them to the police for investigation. The affidavit states that steps have been taken to ensure that the event passes off peacefully.

Letter

Meanwhile, a letter from the Government Flying Training School, Jakkur, to the Chairman of the "Festival of Blessings" said Rs. 10 lakhs should be paid as fees to use the ground.

This amount should be deposited as caution money against any damage to government property.

The letter said any damage to Government property in excess of Rs. 10 lakhs should be borne by the organisers and they have to give an indemnity bond.

Any structure put up by the organisers that may be useful to the shool will be retained.

Another letter by the Director of the Flying School said the airfield belongs to the State Government and several events, festivals and cinema shootings have been held there.

It said utmost care will be taken to ensure that the day-to-day events are not affected when such functions are held. It says at least 14 films have been "shot" in the 210-acre airfield.

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