Fifteen citizens associated with the Ahmedabad Rationalist Association have submitted a representation to Gujarat’s Director General of Police (DGP), the Rajkot Police Commissioner, and the Rajkot Rural Superintendent of Police, demanding preventive action against alleged “miracle demonstrations” by preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Baba Bageshwar, during his scheduled visit to Rajkot from June 5 to 7.
In their memorandum, the signatories urged the police to monitor all public events of Shastri and take legal action if he performs or promotes what they describe as “so-called miracles” before audiences. The group argued that such activities could violate constitutional principles promoting scientific temper and may attract provisions of Gujarat’s anti-superstition legislation.
Constitutional Duty to Promote Scientific Temper
The representation cites Article 51A(h) of the Constitution of India, which lists among the fundamental duties of citizens the obligation to develop a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
According to the association, any attempt to encourage belief in miracles or supernatural powers undermines this constitutional objective and promotes superstition rather than rational inquiry. The signatories contend that public demonstrations claiming paranormal abilities can mislead people and discourage a scientific outlook.
Reference to Gujarat’s Anti-Superstition Law
The petition specifically refers to the Gujarat Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Prevention and Eradication Act, 2024. The applicants argue that claims of miraculous healing, supernatural powers, or paranormal knowledge could fall within the scope of practices prohibited under the Act.
The memorandum alleges that Shastri has, through public platforms and videos, made claims related to curing serious illnesses and revealing personal details of devotees through unexplained means. It contends that if such demonstrations are repeated in Rajkot, they may constitute offences under the law.
The rationalists also point to provisions in the Act that prohibit displaying alleged miracles for monetary gain or creating an impression that a person possesses supernatural powers capable of influencing people’s lives.
Demand for Video Recording and Police Intervention
The association has asked the police to:
- Ensure video recording of all public programmes conducted by Dhirendra Shastri in Rajkot.
- Deploy officials to monitor the events.
- Use powers available under the 2024 law to stop any alleged miracle demonstrations if they occur.
- Initiate legal proceedings in the event of violations.
The applicants stressed that their objection is not directed against religious beliefs, religious discourses, or the right of citizens to practise their faith. Instead, they said their concern relates to the promotion of superstition, deception, and claims of supernatural powers in the name of religion.
High Court Judgment Cited
The memorandum also draws attention to a 2021 judgment of the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court in Criminal Petition No. 469 of 2015. According to the signatories, the ruling highlighted the importance of combating superstition and protecting human dignity through legal measures and scientific awareness.
Among the notable signatories to the representation are Prof. Hemantkumar Shah, former Principal of HK Arts College, Ahmedabad; Piyush Jadugar, advocate and rationalist; Sarup Dhruv, noted Gujarati poet; Manishi Jani, writer and rationalist; Jyotsna Ahir, YouTuber and social activist; Jagruti Thakkar, advocate; Bipin Shroff, rationalist activist; and Lankesh Chakravarti, rationalist campaigner.
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