Nuh Violence In Haryana: Importance Of Religious Procession In Hinduism, What The Indian Constitution Says

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Religion and diversity are embedded in the soul of India and religious ceremonies and customs are a huge part of it which stemmed from the beliefs of people residing in this country. Similarly, religious processions are common too and are a very significant dimension of every religion and have a ceremonial life of its own.

In the wake of Nuh Violence in Gurugram, Haryana, which witnessed violent clashes between two groups in Mewat Nuh, section 144 has been imposed. The fight started over Vishwa Hindu Parishad's 'Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra' which was stopped by a group of men near Khedla Mod in Nuh, and stones were pelted at the procession, said Police.

Let us know about the significance of religious procession in Hinduism in India and what the Indian Constitution says about it.

What Is Article 19 Of The Indian Constitution?

Freedom of Speech and Expression: Article 19 of the Constitution provides freedom of speech which is the right to express one's opinion freely without any fear through oral/written/electronic/broadcasting/press. Freedom of expression includes Freedom of the Press.

What Is Article 25 Of The Indian Constitution?

Article 25 (Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion) Article 25 guarantees the freedom of conscience, the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion to all citizens. The above-mentioned freedoms are subject to public order, health, and morality.

The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of religion under Article 19 and Article 25, respectively and there are certain conditions that one needs to adhere to, failing to which actions can be taken, and the prosecution can be framed against the violators. They are as follows-

• The procession is taken out before 11 am and after 5 pm,
• Occupying more than one-fourth of the width of the road for the procession,
• The pandal is placed in the bye-lanes without getting clearance from the local Police and Traffic inspector,
• The use of loudspeakers, public Address and Music system is done before 6 am and after 10 pm,
• Indulging in activities such as the firing of weapons during a procession, bursting of crackers and meeting or gathering resulting in declaring the procession as unlawful in the event of non-compliance, and
• Violation may also attract court proceedings for the use of loudspeakers where action can be taken under Noise Pollution (regulation and control) rules 2000 framed under the Environment protection act, 1986.

Rules To Carry Out Religious Procession In Public

In order to carry out a religious procession in public, rally or protest, there are specific requirements which include a written permission from from the District DCP. All necessary details regarding the procession must be mentioned in it.

In case the event is spread in more than one district then permission is required from the Police headquarters, New Delhi. Also, NOC and permission are required from the land-owning authority which must be carried along during the procession.