ETHICAL DILEMMA – EQUALITY OR SECULARISM?

We have read it in books, several times and wondered what actually a dilemma is like or how to get out of such situation? According to books, an Ethical Dilemma is a situation where there has to be a decision made between couple of options which may be right and justified at their ends.

Not long ago High Court of Maharashtra had an appeal from ‘Bhumata Brigade’ seeking judicial approval over lifting of all gender barriers for access to the inner sanctum where there is idol of ‘Shani or Saturn Shrine’ at Shani Shingnapur temple in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The temple had a 400-year tradition of not allowing women to worship at the altar. On 26^th Jan, 2016, a group 500 of protestors in buses was stopped by police near town of Supa, 70 Kms from temple.

Since temple tradition was justified on religious believes it somehow denied women an equal right of worshiping as men. That’s an Ethical Dilemma, where on one hand there stood Religious belief and on another stood Right to equality. Indian Constitution laid equal emphasis on Secularism, where religious belief of every individual is equally respected, and Equality, among all citizens of India. Opinions raised all across the country likely arguing that a tradition should not be broken as it would have calamitous effects or something bad would occur.  While others argued that it is a superstitious belief being followed for 400 year that now should be debunked. In a country where religious sentiments bind billions together can even lead them falling apart. Unrest situations and riots over religious causes have been frequently countered in India therefore a tough call was to be made by the judiciary at Maharashtra High Court.

On 1^st April High Court held that it is the women’s fundamental right to go into places of worship and the government is duty bound to protect their right. Further temple trust welcomed Court’s decision and invited Bhumata Brigade to offer prayers at inner sanctum as it opened doors for women thereon. Many people are still of an opinion that, ‘Maharashtra is facing drought because Saturn Shrine is upset over debunking of tradition’, a mere superstition, maybe. Whatever the impacts may be, this decision certainly speaks eloquently of peaceful and progressive of Indian triumph.

On latest notes, Tripti Desai led Brigade is demanding equal access to women at Haji Ali dargah. Another challenging dilemma for authorities.


By Umang Daga