Recently in an interview to Karan Thapar, Advocate Dushyant Dave broke down at the communal state of affairs in the country. Dushyant Dave’s emotional pain revealed a distressing state of affairs that is contrary to the nation’s secular fabric. His anguish reflected the pain many feel over the diminishing sensitivity towards minorities and the persistent dominance of divisive narratives.
Advocate Dave’s emotional response resonated with those who uphold the values of pluralism and tolerance. However, the growing assertiveness of irrational and sectarian demands reflects a worrying drift. It underscores the need for collective introspection and adherence to the rule of law, ensuring that the spirit of the republic prevails over divisive agendas.
The Ayodhya Judgement, which intended to resolve a historical dispute largely in favor of the majority, did not stop with it. It only emboldened new demands targeting mosques with claims of hidden temples beneath them. Cases like Gyanvaipi in Varanasi, Mathura’s Idgah, Bhojshala in Dhar and Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan illustrate this pattern. Recently, Hindu Sena demanded a similar survey for Jama Masjid in Delhi. These claims, often backed by local court orders for surveys, have escalated tensions, with tragic consequences such as the loss of lives in Sambal. The pandora’s box which has been opened up would not stop with these.
Here are five reasons why such demands are not justifiable.
Legal reason:
This trajectory undermines the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which enshrines the principle that the religious character of places of worship as of August 15,1947, must remain unchanged. The Act is a crucial safeguard against communal disharmony, providing a legal barrier to altering the status quo of religious sites and maintaining India’s secular spirit. Permitting surveys of mosques undermines the legal system and sets a dangerous precedent that could destabilize communal harmony. While Ayodhya judgement to resolve the dispute itself was unjust, adding more to the list would only undermine this law sought to protect harmony.
Historical reason:
Most claims of temples beneath mosques are based on myths, whatsapp history, fake history or propagated facts based on unverified accounts lacking credible historical or archaeological evidence. Without any substantial proof, such claims become speculative and provoke unnecessary discord. Fake historical claims cannot become the basis for futuristic acts. Moreover, manipulating history to serve current ideological agendas distorts facts and sows distrust. History should be interpreted objectively and not weaponised for communal conflicts and create divides. Moreover, history cannot be recreated in a way to create conflicts in the present. The society has moved from medievalism to modernity, monarchy to democracy. The current day challenges should matter which are more related to climate change, social and economic disparities, human development, unemployment etc. If digging mosques to find temples is so important, then history also has examples of Buddhist structures being destroyed by Hindus. While the past should be used as a means to learn and correct the present, it cannot be used to create conflicts in the present.
Social reason:
These demands incite communal sentiments, leading to violence, conflicts and loss of lives. Actions that fuel divisiveness harm social harmony and alienate communities. Targeting specific religious sites undermines India’s secular ethos, which emphasizes equal respect for all faiths. Maintaining secular values creates social harmony and trust among diverse communities. Moreover, most religious traditions advocate peace and reconciliation rather than vengeance or reopening past grievances. Actions that contradict the spirit of coexistence goes against the very basis of compassionate aspects of religious faiths. A quote often provided is that of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ i.e., the world is one family. Creating disharmony in the name of religion goes against that very principle. Just as family can co-exist, so also temples, mosques, churches or gurudwaras.
Economic reason:
Pushing such disputes consumes financial and administrative resources that could address pressing issues like poverty, education and healthcare. Instead of resources being invested into initiatives which contribute to expansion of economic opportunities and contributing to social development, it may be diverted to initiatives such as building massive temples. While temples may be an important aspect of human faith and life, it cannot be a means of sustenance on a daily basis. Moreover, growing communal strife slows down economic growth. Investments reduce in locations witnessing communal tensions resulting in diminishing economic opportunities. A peaceful and stable society attracts economic growth and progress. The drastic cuts taking place in education is only a reflection of the priorities of the current government.
Political reason:
Such incidents will only bring disrepute to India contrary to the claims of the whatsapp university. Instead of India being looked upon, it would continue to be looked down. India had set a remarkable example of a functioning democracy where the constitution had survived despite starting low due to high poverty and illiteracy at the start of India’s independence. The success of Indian democracy (despite its limitations) has attracted scholars to study the Indian phenomenon. On the contrary, communal disputes of the present calling for surveys of mosques to identify remnants of temples portray India as intolerant, anti-secular, fanatic and tarnishes its global reputation as a secular democracy. Maintaining harmony enhances India’s credibility and relationships with other nations.
The current irrational acts being entertained would only fragment the society. The legal, historical, social, economic and political dimensions of these demands would harm India’s secular, democratic and pluralistic identity. There is a need for rational and sane voices to assert to save India from takeover by insane and irrational voices.
T Navin is an Independent Author
