HJS demands removal of Bar and Restaurant in MTDC premises in Shrikshetra Ganapatipule
Ratnagiri – Premises of shrines, temples, religious places etc., should be alcohol and meat free to preserve the sanctity. But the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has a restaurant that serves both in the Shrikshetra Ganapatipule pilgrimage site. On 31st May, activists of Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti submitted a petition to the Ratnagiri DC demanding that the MTDC shut down this restaurant immediately.
The petition says,
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution gives all citizens the right to freedom of religion. Accordingly, allowing the sale of liquor and meat in Hindu religious places is infringing on the religious rights of Hindus and hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus. In order to maintain law and order in the temple premises, it is also necessary to make the temple premises alcohol free.
It is learned from the local devotees that liquor and meat are being sold in the restaurant of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in the Srikshetra Ganapatipule temple area in Ratnagiri district. Due to this, the sanctity of the temple premises is being violated and the religious sentiments of Ganesha devotees are being hurt. Therefore, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation should immediately remove this bar-restaurant.
