In a significant ruling on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court dismissed a petition that sought the establishment of a dedicated board for the protection of Sanatana Dharma, akin to the Waqf Board, which safeguards the interests of the Muslim community.
The petition, brought forth by the Sanatan Hindu Sewa Sangh Trust, argued for the creation of a Sanatana Dharma Protection Board to address and counter alleged targeted attacks against followers of Hindu traditions by adherents of other faiths. The Trust also noted the absence of any dedicated body to oversee the rights, customs, and practices specific to Sanatana Dharma, suggesting that such a board was necessary to fill this gap.
A division bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, held that the matter of establishing such a board lies within the realm of government policy-making and not within the judiciary’s purview. “We cannot do anything in this,” remarked Chief Justice Manmohan, stressing the judicial restraint practiced in matters of policy.
The Court’s decision to reject the plea highlighted its position on non-interference in policy decisions, a stance it has consistently maintained. The bench concluded the proceedings by disposing of the petition but granted the petitioner liberty to approach the government for further consideration.
The Trust had previously made representations to the government to advocate for the board’s establishment but did not receive a response, which led them to seek judicial intervention. In its dismissal, the High Court emphasized that the creation of such a body is a matter of policy that should be addressed by the executive branch, not the judiciary.
