HJS asks Mumbai mayor to stop denigration through the medium of crackers

Mumbai: Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has been undertaking drive for the past 7 years, in lawful manner, for their demand to stop manufacture and sale of crackers with pictures of Hindu Deities and great National heroes and to request the State Government by taking up the matter with them. As a part of this drive, a representation was submitted to Mrs. Shraddha Jadhav, Mayor of Mumbai and Mr. Rahul Shevale, the Chairman of Standing Committee by meeting them in their respective office. Mayor, Mrs. Jadhav promised that the concerned department would be instructed and a circular would be issued to create awareness. Mr. Shevale, the Chairman of Standing Committee immediately issued a letter to the Commissioner of Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) for taking necessary action. Mr. Shivaji Vatkar, the District – coordinator of HJS for Mumbai and its activists Mr. Satish Sonar and Ashok Gaikwad were present on the occasion as part of HJS delegation.

Representation submitted to Chairman of Standing committee

1.The continuous follow up made by HJS  resulted in the Industries Directorate issuing letters on 30th January 2008 and 11 December 2009 respectively to the concerned establishments including MMC for taking further action; but no attention has been paid so far.

2. Denigration and insult of Deities hurting religious sentiments, as through the medium of crackers, is a non-bailable and punishable offence under clause 295 (A) of Indian Penal Code; whereas it is an offence under clause 9 (2) (B) under the Trademarks Act, 1999 of the Central Government to print ‘religious symbols and pictures’ on commercial products; also as per article 256 of the Indian Constitution, every Indian citizen has freedom to follow the practices as prescribed by one’s religion. Ban should, therefore, be imposed on crackers with pictures of great national heroes and Hindu Deities.