HC showcause notice against religious practice 'Santhara'

Jaipur, Sep 23 (UNI) The Rajasthan High Court has issued showcause notices to the state government and Jain institutions against the religious practice of 'Santhara', which is a way of attaining salvation by sacrificing food and water.

A bench comprising Chief Justice S N Jha and Judge A K Rastogi issued notices to Central and state governments' home secretaries, and Jain institutions yesterday after hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by petitioner Nikhil Soni.

Petitioner's advocate Madhav Mishra had pleaded in his petition that Santhara is a social evil and it should be considered a crime akin to suicide under Indian Penal Code's Section 309.

He said the Sati Prevention Act's aim is to stop these kinds of deaths. So the practice of Santhara, which is to give up food and water for days so that death comes easily, should be declared illegal. The petitioner also said since the practice of Sati and Santhara have many similarities, it should be declared illegal.

He cited the example of Vimal Devi of the city's Jagatpura area, who has decided to opt for Santhara and asked the court to ban this practice.

The High Court has also asked the petitioner to take necessary action in this regard with the help of superintendent of police, Jaipur.

UNI RRT MSJ DS1410