Uttar Pradesh News: Allahabad HC Approves Hindu Religious Instruction In UP Public Schools, Sparks Secularism Debate

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has approved the controversial inclusion of Hindu religious instruction in Uttar Pradesh's public primary schools, dismissing concerns about violating constitutional secular principles.

The decision greenlights government-sponsored workshops on the Ramayana and Vedas during summer breaks, raising alarms among education advocates about the erosion of secular spaces in public institutions.

The ruling comes as the state's Basic Education Council implements a circular mandating religious programming in all 75 districts. While framed as "cultural workshops," the curriculum explicitly focuses on Hindu texts, with activities including Ramlila performances and Vedic chanting. The court's dismissal of constitutional concerns sets a troubling precedent for maintaining religious neutrality in education.

Legal experts note the judgment's weak reasoning - focusing more on technicalities about the petitioner's standing than substantive constitutional questions. The bench appeared more interested in how petitioner Dr. Chaturanan Ojha obtained the government circular than examining whether public schools should promote specific religious doctrines.

"This isn't about culture - it's about using public infrastructure for religious indoctrination," said education activist Meera Sharma. "When the government selects which religious texts to promote in schools, it inherently discriminates against minority faiths." The workshops' voluntary nature offers little comfort, given the power dynamics between school authorities and disadvantaged families.

The decision continues a pattern of Hindu majoritarianism in UP's institutions, following recent controversies over Saraswati Vandana mandates and school temple visits. Critics argue such policies alienate religious minorities and violate the fundamental right to secular education.

As the lines between government and religion continue to blur in Uttar Pradesh, this ruling may embolden further encroachment of religious programming into public spaces.

The court's failure to uphold strict secular principles in education marks another victory for those seeking to reshape India's pluralistic foundations through state machinery.