Karnataka Govt. for ban on indecent photos of gods on shirts

Margashirsha Shuklapaksha 14,Kaliyug Varsha 5114.

Bangalore (Karnataka) : The Karnataka government plans to ban indecent depiction of images of Hindu gods and goddesses, especially on dresses and cracker packs.

The move, announced by muzrai minister Kota Srinivas Poojary on Wednesday, has drawn sharp criticism from sections of society as it infringes on freedom of expression.

Poojary was in hot water in July when he directed government-run temples to perform special poojas by spending more than Rs 18 crore to address drought in Karnataka.

Defending the move, the minister told TOI: “Many complaints have been received from the public on printing of indecent photos on T-shirts and cracker packs. We will discuss the issue with the Dharmika Parishath (highest decision-making body on religious affairs in Karnataka) on January 3.”

Noted constitutional expert Ravivarma Kumar slammed the move, saying it would affect freedom of speech and expression. “The government has no powers to impose such restrictions,” he said.

The minister said the muzrai department plans to observe one day in a year as ‘Dharmika Dinaacharane’ (a day of religious celebrations). The date will be finalized after consulting the parishath.

Source : TOI