God Forbid

The Iskcon's global HQ at Mayapur in West Bengal had, a few years ago, faced allegations of senior monks molesting young male school students. Those who have left the commune allege that homosexuality is a widespread practice in Iskcon and sexual abuse of young boys who join the order is routine.

"Godmen or senior monks command a lot of respect, even blind devotion. Some take advantage of their position to indulge in sexual dalliances. They try to be gods but are human after all," says Dr Robin Bhattacharya, who has counselled a couple of victims of sexual exploitation inside a religious commune. "But such people are supposed to set standards for the rest of society in morality and spirituality. So their failings cannot be explained away as those of humans," he adds.

Visvanathan offers a valid critique. "Conmen in religious movements have only increased because ashrams have become totally unscrutinised spaces. Contempt of religion has become like contempt of court. It is not allowed. Media must create conditions to get such places scrutinised. Being a godman cannot become a shield for wrongdoings," he says.

Unfortunately, the law is unable to pin down the erring godmen because of their circles of influence and faith. Only a few are arrested, the rest skirt punishment.

If guilty gurus are allowed to walk free, the law against rape will remain subjective and conditional. A claim to godliness does not give any human being the right to do the utterly unforgivable.