Supreme Court Upholds Deepam Ritual, Slams State for 'Politically Motivated Obstruction'

On this report, the focus is on a court decision to uphold a centuries-old religious practice atop a hill. The court slammed the state government for what it termed a 'politically motivated obstruction' and dismissed law and order concerns as an 'imaginary ghost.' The bench emphasized that the state should not stoop for political goals, concluding with the message, 'Let there be light, not fight.' While one side hailed the verdict as a victory for fundamental religious rights, the government spokesperson defended the state's stance, citing the need to maintain communal harmony. The government has signaled its intent to challenge the ruling in the highest court, ensuring that the legal battle over this religious practice continues ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. The court observed that the state has no authority to interdict such practices when the land does not belong to any objector. This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over religious freedom and state intervention.