Madhya Pradesh High Court Criticizes Delay in Lifting Government Ban on RSS Participation
The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently criticized the Central government for taking nearly five decades to rectify its mistake of barring government employees from participating in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities. The Court, comprising Justices SA Dharmadhikari and Gajendra Singh, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in acknowledging and correcting this error.
The Bench noted that the delay in lifting the ban had diminished the aspirations of many Central government employees who wished to contribute to the country through the RSS. The Court was addressing a plea filed by a retired Central government officer challenging office memorandums (OMs) from 1966, 1970, and 1980, which had imposed restrictions on government employees’ involvement with the RSS and other organizations. These restrictions were justified at the time by concerns about maintaining a secular outlook and avoiding communal bias among public servants.
On July 9, the Central government lifted the ban on government employees participating in RSS activities. The Court questioned the rationale behind the original decision and the lack of supporting material or studies to justify it. The Court emphasized that any future decision to reinstate such a ban should be based on comprehensive evaluation and evidence.
The High Court directed the Department of Personnel and Training and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to publicly display the July 9 circular on their official websites for public awareness. The Court concluded the case with these directions, reflecting on the impact of long-standing executive instructions on both the RSS and individuals aspiring to join it for non-political purposes.
Advocate Manish Nair represented the petitioner, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Deputy Solicitor General Himanshu Joshi represented the Union of India.
(With inputs from agency)
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