Religious Impact of COVID-19

India is a secular country. This is a universal fact accepted by almost all the people of the world. Throughout our glorious past, our country has had a diverse set of governments who have represented its masses at various levels. It is also no surprise that during the Covid- 19 pandemic the country has had its fair share of problems.

These include sluggish economic growth, lack of healthcare infrastructure, imposition of a nationwide lockdown, etc. Another challenge is the incessant altercations between the Supreme Court and the state governments. Festivals are an integral part of the country’s demography and it continues to play a significant role in shaping our nation.

In the past, there have been many disputes, clashes and riots between the diverse communities of the country. Some of them are 1969 Gujarat riots, 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the 1989 Bhagalpur riots, 1989 Kashmir violence, Godhra train burning, 2002 Gujarat riots, 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots and 2020 Delhi riots.

The governments of the states where these incidents occurred did their level best to curb their impact. It is impossible to ignore the infamous Ram Mandir dispute between the Hindus and the Muslims.

Bakrid is an important religious festival for Muslims. The government along with the assistance of the Supreme Court had put certain restrictions on the celebration of this festival which was supposed to be followed by all the states.

Whenever there is a disagreement between a state government and the Center, the decision is usually in favour of the latter. Kerala has been under the rule of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) since 2016. Kerala decided to relax the Covid-19 restrictions for three days.

This was done right before the start of Bakrid. The move was appreciated by the local traders and shopkeepers of Kerala but it was not taken well by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court reiterated the words “shocking” and “alarming” while describing the controversial decision of the CPI (M) led Kerala government.

The Supreme Court directed and instructed the Kerala government to pay attention to Article 21 and Article 144 of the Constitution of India. This decision made by the Kerala government did not only concern the apex court of the country but also the IMA (Indian Medical Association). The IMA has distinctly stated that it will approach the Supreme Court if this decision is not overturned by the Kerala government. The Kanwar Yatra is one of the most important Hindu religious events. The devotees of Lord Shiva are the main people who are part of this religious procession.

The state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) led by their Chief Minister; Mr. Yogi Adityanath announced that the Kanwar Yatra will take place without the imposition of any Covid-19 restrictions. This decision was challenged by the Supreme Court. According to the Supreme Court, the Yatra should take place in a symbolic manner.

There should not be the traditional gathering of people as that may lead to an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country. Justices R F Nariman and B R Gavai clearly stated that the Right to Life (Article 21) of a person supersedes their Right to Religion (Article 25). The Uttar Pradesh government was instructed to revert their decision by the apex court of the country. The Yatra was finally cancelled by the Uttarakhand government.

In my opinion, both cases are similar to each other as the conduct of religious practices is the main idea. I strongly feel that in both cases the Supreme Court has taken the right decision. The people have to take into consideration the fact that the apex court of our country had to take their decisions by applying a holistic approach.

They had to make sure that due to the actions of some people, the other people constituting the population should not be harmed. The Covid-19 pandemic has demolished and ruined many livelihoods. If the right measures are not taken by the authorities in power, then the situation may worsen.

There are some people who do not understand the grievous situation the country is in and they are just putting their selfish motives before the goodwill and safety of other people. The irrational people need to empathize and sympathize with those who are struggling because of the Covid-19 pandemic.