Cabinet nod for ordinance to ban other religion propaganda

Hyderabad, Apr 27 (UNI) Taking a serious view of other religion propagation in Tirumala and other pilgrim centres, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet today approved an ordinance to prohibit propagation of other religions in certain notified places of worship belonging to any particular religion.

This step was taken to ensure that the sentiments of particular religious groups were not hurt and public order was not disturbed, newly-inducted Information Minister A Ramanarayana Reddy told reporters after a cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

Whoever contravened provisions contained in the Ordinance would be awarded imprisonment extending to three years or with fine up to Rs 5000 or with both, he added.

The cabinet took a serious view of instances of propagation of the religious tenets of other groups in places of worship of a particular religion in the world-renowned ancient temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, deeply hurting the sentiments of devotees and disturbing peace and tranquility in that area, he said adding the Government would notify such places of worship or prayer from time to time.

Strongly objecting to ''false propaganda'' by vested interest that the purview of the Venkateswara Temple was restricted to only two hills, he clarified that its jurisdiction covered seven hills.

UNI