Mumbai: Statement For The Matter Of Shri Parshwatilak Shwetamber Jain Trust In Supreme Court SLP (C) No.17041 of 2020) Regarding Practicing Essential Paryushan Rituals.

I admire Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde in his neutrality and positivity for justice and boldly rejecting the arguments advanced on behalf of the State of Maharashtra that commercial activities and religious activities are incomparable and unequal in fact, implying that they are inferior. He is to be applauded for his answer, much in line with the true Indian tradition that God is above money. He aptly criticized that they are willing to take the risk if money is involved but if it is religious then they say there is Covid and we cannot do this. In US the attitude towards religion is overwhelming where even during the Covid stress huge stimulus amounting approximately $7.3 billion is given to the religions.

It is great irony that State who quotes examples of developed countries does not follow them on selective religious matters. It is a matter of regret that high level intellects including Jains practicing in Supreme Court carry misconception about the fundamentals and elementary facts of Jainism.

Today in SC it was argued before the Bench of CJI that Jains dont believe in god and so where is the question of permission of opening temple. In reply to that Non-Jain Senior Counsel Tushar Mehta using his quick-wit said that the name of petitioner itself includes the word Murti Pujak which means idol worshipper and so Jains do believe in god and do worship them.
In reality Jains dont believe god as creator of universe which is misinterpreted by international scholars that Jains dont believe in existence of god. In fact, Jains do believe in god with high reverence considering them as supreme power, supreme authority and ultimate source of order. It is good to see on the part of Mr.Tushar Mehta, who replied that even though we dont practice Jainism yet we know Jainism better.

I appreciate Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave for all of his timely instant replies using his quick-wit saying that if commercial activities attract crowd no objections are raised and if devotees visit places of worship in a disciplined manner following government advisories they are not permitted to do so. (Covid has no commercial colour)

(Acharya Yugbhushansuri)

News Input By Ashmita Chhabria.