Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday refused to reschedule the supplementary exams of II PUC. Seventh Day Adventist Group (SDAG) had approached the court seeking directions to reschedule the supplementary exams of II PUC while citing that the students of SDAG to practice ‘Sabbath’. They had sought rescheduling of Economics and History exams that are scheduled on July 2 and 9 (both Saturdays) respectively.
The court rejected the application following the state government's submission that ‘Sabbath’, a day of rest was normally practised among the labour class and agriculturist who work for six days a week and take rest on the last day, which is Saturdays.
Even an amicus curiae who assisted the court submitted that Sabbath day does not find a place in the list of festivals recognised by the Government of India and such an authority cannot be directed not to work on such days.
The petitioner had argued that their group of Christians is to practice Saturday as the day for 'Sabbath' throughout the year and not expected to engage in any type of work on that day. The petitioners have contended that by scheduling the exams on two Saturdays, the students of SDAG are forced to take part would tantamount to encroaching upon the freedom to profess, practice and propagate the religious Article 25(1) of the Constitution of India.
HC notice to Archbishop
The high court has ordered issue of notices to Bengaluru Commissioner Of Police, The Rev. Bernard Morass Archbishop Of Bengaluru Diocese, Rev. Vincent Santhosh Parish Priest, Church Of St. Paul The Hermit, V.Nagenahali, The Inspector Of Police, Hebbal Police Station. The court passed the orders following petition filed by few parishioners of Paul the Hermit Church in Vishwanatha Nagenahalli.
They have approached the court following the order of Archbishop Bernard Moras to close down the Paul the Hermit Church, over the dispute about the bust of the recently deceased Fr. Chasara established by the parishioners in the church compound.
The Archbishop Bernard Moras, in his order to close down the Church had cited the Code of Canon Law that stated that no statue of any person, who is not duly beatified or canonised, can be installed. Following the closure, several parishioners are protesting through hunger strike, and now the matter has reached the high court.
