Allahabad HC Asks UP Govt If Action Proposed Against Books By Self-Styled Godman Rampal Allegedly Targeting Hindu Deities

A Bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Om Prakash Shukla passed the order while hearing a petition filed by the Hindu Front for Justice, a Trust, along with its members and office bearers, 17 in number. The petitioners seek the seizure and forfeiture of the allegedly objectionable publications.

The Court directed the Additional Chief Standing Counsel to seek instructions from the authorities as to whether any action has been taken on the representation submitted under Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

Notably, this provision empowers the State Government to declare certain publications forfeited and to issue search warrants for their seizure.

According to the petitioners, the opposite parties No. 9 to 12, including Sant Rampal Singh, who is currently lodged in jail, are "wicked-minded persons" who are allegedly acting with deliberate and malicious intent to outrage the religious feelings of Sanatani Hindus.

The plea submits that they are printing, publishing, selling, distributing, and even delivering free of cost books, literature, posters, and pamphlets that contain grossly offensive and provocative language and that portray Hindu deities in a shameful and derogatory manner.

The petition also alleges that the accused are using electronic communication platforms to promote disharmony and a sense of enmity, hatred, and ill-will between different religious communities, which, according to the plea, is detrimental to public peace and communal harmony.

The books alleged to contain such material include titles such as: Mukti Bodh, Garima Geeta Ki, Kabir Parmeshwara, Andh Shradha Bhakti-Khatra-e-Jaan, Geeta Tera Gyan Amrit, Gyaan Ganga, Jeene Ki Raah, Kabir Sagar, and the magazine Hindu Dharm Mahaan.

Despite repeated requests and reminders, the petitioners submit that the State Authorities have failed to initiate any action against the said parties.

The plea further contends that the graphic and textual content of these publications is an affront to India's cultural heritage, which the law is bound to protect.

Against this backdrop, the petition prays for directions to the State Authorities to exercise powers under Section 98 of the BNSS to forfeit the impugned books and publications.

It also seeks a direction for immediate censorship and embargo on the circulation of such material, and to ensure that no further publication or distribution takes place.

Additionally, the plea urges the Court to direct the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an independent, credible, and impartial probe into the alleged illegal operations and functioning of Sant Rampal from Hisar Central Jail.

Lastly, the petition seeks directions to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against the respondents under applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.