Law Students Challenge Maharashtra Government's Holiday Decision For Ram Temple Ceremony In High Court

Four law students from Maharashtra National Law University, Government Law College, Mumbai, and NIRMA Law University, Gujarat, have filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court opposing the Maharashtra government's decision to declare a public holiday on January 22 for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

The petitioners, Shivangi Agarwal, Satyajeet Salve, Vedant Agrawal, and Khushi Bangia, have requested the High Court to form a special bench for the hearing, scheduled for Sunday, with Justice Girish S Kulkarni and Justice Neela K Gokhale expected to preside.

The students aim to challenge the January 19 notification by the state government, arguing that decisions on public holidays should not be based on the preferences of the ruling political party. They have also contested a 1968 notification from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that grants states the authority to declare public holidays.

The PIL questions the justification of declaring a public holiday for the consecration of the Ram Temple, emphasizing potential negative consequences such as loss of education, financial setbacks, and disruptions to governance and public works.

The plea contends that without a specific legislation conferring power to declare public holidays and secular guidelines, using such declarations for political or religious purposes could undermine India's secular fabric. The students argue that such declarations amount to an abuse of power and violate Article 27 of the Constitution, which prohibits taxation for promoting religion or maintaining religious institutions.

The PIL contrasts Maharashtra's decision with other states, such as Goa and Madhya Pradesh, that have declared a full public holiday, while some states opted for a half-holiday with school closures. The Central government offices will have a half working day, and public sector banks will remain closed until 2.30 pm on January 22.