Forcing children to recite any prayer against free thought: Kerala High Court
The Hindu
Justice Devan Ramachandran made the observation while disposing of a writ petition against the format of the application issued by the library committee of the Mattannur municipality in Kannur for a function to initiate children into the world of letters
The Kerala High Court on Friday observed that forcing or inducing children to write or recite any prayer contrary to their parents’ choice at the Vidyarambham ceremony will be anathema to free thought and freedom of belief.
Justice Devan Ramachandran made the observation while disposing of a writ petition against the format of the application issued by the library committee of the Mattannur municipality in Kannur for a function to initiate children into the world of letters. According to the petition, the format of the application was designed to humiliate certain sections of people.
The court observed that India is a land of religious pluralism — it is what defines us. It takes into its fold varied philosophies, beliefs and ethos with ease; and it has been so for the past several centuries. The event must be conducted by the Mattannur municipality and its library committee implicitly respecting this and the individual choices to be made by the parents.
The court cautioned that any action on their part to cause a tear on the constitutional fabric, ingrained with liberty to all its citizens of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, can never be countenanced.
The court recorded the submissions of the counsel for the municipality and the library committee that there will be no compulsion on the parent of any children to either participate in the programme or to recite or write any prayer contrary to their beliefs.
The court made it clear that every parent who wants his/her child to participate in the programme will have full choice, either to have their child recite and write any one among the prayers mentioned in the application form or any other of their belief; and the library committee should ensure that it is complied with.
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on January 22, 2026
Invasive red-eared slider turtles threaten Coimbatore's wetlands, competing with native species and disrupting local ecosystems.
Chennai airport upgrades 140 emergency exit doors with electronic systems for enhanced passenger safety and efficient emergency response.
Telangana's delegation, led by CM Revanth, secures key investments at WEF, showcasing the state's growth roadmap for a $3 trillion economy.
Indian doctor Chandrakant Lahariya wins the 2025 Wiley Research Heroes Prize for impactful research in health policy and vaccination.
Naidu proposes Israel Industrial Park and Dubai Food Cluster in Andhra Pradesh, seeking international investment and collaboration at WEF.
GVMC's Operation LUNGS 3.0 aims to convert illegal cellar businesses into parking spaces, addressing traffic congestion in Vizag.
Kerala politics: SNDP and NSS warm up to each other, bringing identity politics to the centre
Delhi schools resume in-person classes for students in Class 6 and above, maintaining hybrid learning for Class 5 and below.
Contract worker electrocuted
The operation of a serious constitutional provision for removing an unworthy judge can be thwarted by the whims of a government
Bihar will hold monthly camps for life certification to ensure social security pension beneficiaries receive their benefits without difficulties.
MGNREGA workers discover a corroded artillery shell in Arakkonam, prompting police and army investigation for safety.