M.P. High Court issues notice over minor's death linked to Jain ritual
A Division Bench comprising Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi issued the notices while hearing a public interest litigation filed by social worker Pranshu Jain. The petition has sought a ban on the observance of Santhara by minors and persons with mental illness.
The plea contends that the practice, if permitted for minors and vulnerable individuals, may be misused by others to 'get rid' of relatives suffering from serious health conditions or psychological disorders. The petition also seeks penal action against those facilitating Santhara for minors.
The court directed notices to be served on the Union Government, the Madhya Pradesh Government, the NHRC, the State Director General of Police, the Indore Divisional Commissioner, the Indore District Collector, and the City Police Commissioner.
Additionally, the girl's parents — Piyush Jain and Varsha Jain — were also made respondents in the case, following a prior direction of the court last month. Their response has been sought.
Advocate Shubham Sharma, appearing for the petitioner, told The Hindu that an interim ban on Santhara for minors had also been requested. 'But the High Court has issued notices to the respondents for now and will consider our request after their response,' he said.
The matter is tentatively listed for further hearing on August 25. The issuance of notice is subject to the petitioner depositing the process fee, the court clarified.
'Issue notice to the respondents on payment of process fee within three working days. Notice be made returnable within four weeks,' the Bench directed.
According to the petition, three-year-old Viyana Jain, who was reportedly undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, died on March 21 after taking the Santhara vow. The ritual was allegedly undertaken on the advice of a Jain monk, Rajesh Muni Maharaj, whom the parents had approached to seek blessings for their daughter.
The petition was moved before the High Court on May 9, following media reports that the parents had been recognised by the Golden Book of World Records — a U.S.-based organisation — which awarded a certificate declaring the child as the 'youngest to vow the Jain ritual Santhara'.
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