The Hindu : National : Rajasthan cases against bishop, clergyman stayed

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Friday, Jun 30, 2006

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Rajasthan cases against bishop, clergyman stayed

Legal Correspondent

Supreme Court asks for copy of "derogatory" book

Implead BJP minister Fair probe "not possible" in the State

New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed all further criminal proceedings initiated by the Rajasthan government against bishop V.S. Thomas and clergyman Samuel Thomas on charges of sedition and spreading communal hatred.

A vacation Bench comprising Justices A.R. Lakshmanan and Altamas Kabir ordered notice to the Government and other respondents on their petitions seeking transfer of the cases outside the State.

The Bench asked the petitioners to implead BJP Minister for Social Welfare Madan Dilawar after they alleged that he was instigating the people against the minorities, particularly Christians. It asked the petitioners to submit a copy of the book Haqeeqat, allegedly containing offensive language against Hindu gods and Jain saints, and said to be the reason for the registration of the cases.

Bishop V.S. Thomas and Dr. Samuel Thomas said two first information reports were registered alleging that they were selling the book and spreading hatred and ill will among different cases and religions. According to the Government, they were also promoting religious conversions. They issued a public notice stating they did not subscribe to the views expressed in the book and were against the publication of derogatory books or any publication containing defamatory writings against gods. They asked the people to maintain the peace and religious harmony.

"Hostile atmosphere"

The petitioners contended that they neither wrote nor published Haqeeqat. When they came to know about the contents they immediately stopped selling the book. They said they had dedicated themselves to the service of the poor and needy. But the ruling partymen created a hostile atmosphere against them at Kota.

The petitioners said a free and fair investigation was not possible in the State in the charged atmosphere created by the Sangh Parivar affiliates against them. They also sought a stay of the criminal proceedings pending disposal of the transfer petitions.

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