Dismissal of Christian activist case by the Supreme Court – How thoroughly it was misconceived to get it dismissed? At the same time, do the Hindutwavadis worry about it or not?

Dismissal of Christian activist case by the Supreme Court – How thoroughly it was misconceived to get it dismissed? At the same time, do the Hindutwavadis worry about it or not?

Dismissal of Christian activist case reported in news: The stuff that appears in the print and electronic media has been used to write this narrative and they have been acknowledged in the footnotes as usual. The narrative as appeared has been taken faithfully and comments are added separately. The Supreme Court has dismissed the Petition filed by Dr. M. Deivanayagam, a Christian activist from Tamil Nadu seeking abolition of the practice of Manu Laws and principles of Varashrama[1] on September 2nd 2022. The Bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli termed the petition as ‘thoroughly misconceived'[2]. The journals dealing with Supre Court cases, cryptly reported about this case in a characteristic way. They may not be knowing much about the petitioner, though he has been mentioned as “a Christian activist” adding that he is “from Tamil Nadu.” Anyway, this man gets exposed for his frivolous attempts of filing petitions on his own apprehensive and imaginary grounds with vested “Christian interests.”

Writ petition filed in 2020 and decided on 02-09-2022: In 2020, the writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India by Dr. M. Deivanayagam sought the following directions from the Apex Court[3]:

1. Abolition of the practice of principles of Laws of Manu / Principles of Varashrama as the same leads to discrimination and diversifying the people of India on the basis of Religion, Language, Caste, Sect and etc.

2. Thus, to form a committee to investigate and identify the practice of law of Manu which are prevalent in various forms across India and declare them as unconstitutional.

Further, M.Deivanayagam had filed a Public Interest Litigation before Madras High Court in 2017 to remove atheistic inscriptions below the statues of Thanthai Periyar in Tamil Nadu. Further, the High Court had in 2019 dismissed the same holding that the followers of Thanthai Periyar, in exercise of the rights under Article 19 of the Constitution of India and the same has a right to disagree with the existence of God[4].

“The petition is thoroughly misconceived. The petition shall stand dismissed”: “The petition is thoroughly misconceived. The petition shall stand dismissed”, the Bench said in its order[5]. The Court quoted the prayers of Deivanayagam in its order while dismissing the petition[6]. Deivanayagam appeared in person n 02-09-2022 and argued his petition of the year 2020[7]. Thus, definitely, he must have been trained or advised on how to depose, what to talk and how to respond to the judges in the court. However, who are the legal advisers, how he filed petitions in the Supre Court etc., are not known. That he appeared in person proves that he has the logistics to come over here either by flight or train with all preparations. Moreover, a few months back, it was informed that he was bedridden and not talking with others and so on. However, he released his book with Tirumavalavan. Deivanayagam had filed the petition, invoking the jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking abolition of the practice of principles of Laws of Manu / Principles of Varashrama on the ground that it led to discrimination and diversification of the people of India on the basis of religion, caste, language, sect etc[8]. The Petitioner also sought directions to the Union of India to form a Committee to investigate and identify the practice of law of Manu which, according to him are prevalent in various forms across India and sought to declare them as unconstitutional[9].

Can Christian activist file a petition against Periyar and hobnob with periyarists?: In 2019, the Madras High Court had dismissed Deivanayagam’s petition seeking the removal of the atheistic inscriptions below the statues of Thanthai Periyar in Tamil Nadu[10]. Incidentally, here, the Periyar had to be defended, as he was unwittingly fighting against Periyarism, analytical wisdom, self-respect and other “Dravidian virtues” reportedly or supposed to be followed by all faithful “Dravidian stock” working and living according to the principles of “Dravidian model.”  Here, the moot question arises as to, “Can Christian activist file petition against Periyar and hobnob with periyarists?.” Ironically, he has been moving with such Periyarists and they have been significantly working with each other. More details can be read from here[11].

2017 petition heard and decided in 2019: That the petition W.P. No.28021/2017 was heard two years later and the judges to deliver judgment on 04-09-2019 has been intriguing. None reacted to the judgment or protested to remove any paragraphs from the judgment arguing that they offend their belief or so.  Perhaps, most of them are not interested at all. The duo Rajiv Malhothra and Aravinda Neelakantan made much fuss about their favourite duo Deivanayagam and Devakala also keeping quite! Though from 2014 onward, many Hindutwa advocates, lawyers and legal experts have been out, it appears that they do not bother such cases. Of course, they might write in their own websites and journals, read by a hundred or two hundred, applaud and enjoy time otherwise.

“Hindu Religion is the Offshoot of St. Thomas Dravidian Christianity”: Deivanayagam has authored a book titled “Hindu Religion is the Offshoot of St. Thomas Dravidian Christianity” and has made controversial remarks in the past, including that Thiruvalluvar is a baptized Christian of the Church created by St.Thomas. Though, it is mentioned at the tail-end, the learned reporters have not elaborated or got into the facts and details of his bogus attempts with his wonderful and fantastic research on such unhistorical stories and myths. None of these legal forums with all their backing and support have not attempted to take up this issue. The fraudulent research of Acharya Paul, Arulappa connecting Deivanayagam and others has also been linked to a case that was argued in the Madras High Court.

November 2021- Deivanayagam released his book with Thirumavalavan: Viduthalai Chirutaigal Katchi founder and Lok Sabha MP Chidambaram, Thol Thirumavalavan, attended a book-releasing function recently in November 2021 at Chennai. Thirumavalavan spoke, quoting from Deivanayagam’s book. He said he has been researching for several decades, and he concluded that “Thiruvalluvar was a Christian and was baptised, received communion”. He said, “Saivam and Vaisnavism were created by Dravidians, Tamilians. Deivanayagam has written an explanatory note to Thirukural at a new angle”. In that, he said Thiruvalluvar was Christian. Thirumavalavan said Deivanayagam, in his book, claimed that the Kabaleeswar temple was razed to grounds in 1566 by Portuguese forces to build a church which is now called Santhome church. “I fear if the sana tana forces (Sangh Parivar) know this, they will try to pull it down “.

The judgment and its beneficiaries and of course the affected: It is not known as to where the Hindutwa lawyers, advocates and others have gone. Though, they have great lawyers and advocates, forums and legal wings, it is not known whether they are following these cases or not. Thus, in the 2019 case, it is very clear that K. Veeramany and Deivanayagam played dubious play and mischief, just to get publicity through the petition, because, whether it is head or tail, they are the winners and the opponents or the gullible attacked [who always do not know that they are attacked] and the Judges cleverly delivered the judgment giving much publicity to EVR with the English translation that occupies 60% of their judgments. Definitely, both have been the most benefited with the dismissed petition and the judgment. Here, in the 2022 case, now the latter gets the dubious status of appearing in the Supreme Court and fought his case as a great crusader. Gullible Hindus would continue to suffer, but the politicized and political Hindutwavadis enjoy…..

© Vedaprakash

22-10-2022

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[1] Verdictum.Legal, Thoroughly Misconceived- Supreme Court Dismisses Petition By Christian Activist Seeking Abolition Of ‘Varashrama’ Principles, ByVerdictum News Desk, 7 Sept 2022 4:53 PM

[2] https://www.verdictum.in/court-updates/supreme-court/deivanayagam-petition-abolish-varashrama-dismissed-1437620

[3] The Daily Guardian, SUPREME COURT: REJECTS PLEA SEEKING ABOLITION OF VARNASHRAMA PRINCIPLES & LAW OF MANU; “MISCONCEIVED., Published 2:28 am IST on September 8, 2022By TDG Network

[4] https://thedailyguardian.com/supreme-court-rejects-plea-seeking-abolition-of-varnashrama-principles-misconceived/

[5] BharatBench, Supreme Court dismisses petition seeking abolition of Laws of Manu., 8 Sep, 2022, 2:50 am

[6] https://www.barandbench.com/news/supreme-court-dismisses-petition-seeking-abolition-of-laws-of-manu-on-caste

[7] Indian Law Information, Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking abolition of the practice of Varnashrama principles of Laws of Manu, By Tushar Gulati -September 7, 2022.

[8] https://indianlawinfo.in/supreme-court-rejected-a-petition-seeking-abolition-of-the-practice-of-varnashrama-principles-of-laws-of-manu/

[9] LiveLaw, ‘Misconceived’: Supreme Court Rejects Plea Seeking Abolition Of Varnashrama Principles & Laws Of Manu, LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK 7 Sept 2022 1:34 PM

[10] https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-abolition-varnashrama-laws-of-manu-plea-rejected-208653?fbclid=IwAR3AMK2JWAIBqG7Z151KjMkveoJJHSegWNEqyhPGF_jp1o7Fm8yrJHk8tEc

[11] Vedaprakash, EVR’s atheism, Deivanayagam’s petition, Veramani’s counter and the Judgment!, September 8, 2019.

EVR’s atheism, Deivanayagam’s petition, Veramani’s counter and the Judgment!

Fr.P.George Ponnaiah v. The Inspector of Police – Judge pronounces, “I am certain that on the Judgment Day, God shall admonish the petitioner for having committed an un-Christian act”!

Fr.P.George Ponnaiah v. The Inspector of Police – Judge pronounces, “I am certain that on the Judgment Day, God shall admonish the petitioner for having committed an un-Christian act”!

The Judgment delivered on the Christmasday 07-01-2022: Madras High Court on Friday (07-01-2022) refused to take down criminal proceedings under section 153A (promoting enmity), 295A (outraging religious feeling) and 505(2) of Indian Penal Code against catholic priest Geroge Ponniah in the derogatory Kanyakumari speech case[1].  The bench of Justice GR Swaminathan stated[2], “He cannot insult or outrage others’ religion or their religious beliefs and still claim immunity from the application of Section 295A/153A/505(2) of IPC.” He opined that Evangelical Christian Priests having command over a large part of the population, if they speak ill of Hindu religion will attract charges under section 295A of IPC, they cannot take shelter of fundamental right of freedom of speech. The court quashed four out of seven charges against P George Ponnaiah.

Newton law works on the day of judgment or not has to be observed: Court said[3], “An evangelist like the petitioner cannot claim a similar privilege……This is because he views the other religionists as a constituency to be poached. He cannot be called a disinterested or neutral commentator.” Court further added[4], “The targeted religionists are bound to take offence as they fear potential harm to their interests and well-being. In such an ambience, the Newton’s third law, “every action has an equal and opposite reaction”, may start operating.”

Section 295A of IPC cannot be invoked in such cases because the element of malice is wholly absent: Significantly, Court also differentiated Munawar Faruqui or Alexander Babu’s case from Ponniah’s. Court said, “When stand-up comedians Munawar Faruqui or Alexander Babu perform on stage, they are exercising their fundamental right to poke fun at others. Again, their religious identity is irrelevant. It is here, the “Who?” and “Where?” tests matter. Section 295A of IPC cannot be invoked in such cases because the element of malice is wholly absent. The persons concerned voice their opinions or give vent to their expressions in their capacity as satirists.”

A rationalist or an academic or a satirist can escape and so also an evangelist: He emphasized distinguishing an evangelist’s harsh views on religious beliefs, from similar views expressed by a rationalist or a reformist or a satirist, said the shield of fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution under Article 19(1)(a) would be available only to a rationalist or an academic or a satirist[5]. “We need Charles Darwin, Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, Narendra Dabholkar, MM Kalburgi and many such others in public life and discourse. Dr Abraham T Kovoor, who wrote the book “Begone Godmen! Encounters with Spiritual Frauds”, cannot be said to have outraged the religious beliefs of Hindus. He was speaking as a rationalist[6]. The fact that he belonged to Christianity is utterly irrelevant. When stand-up comedians Munawar Faruqui or Alexander Babu perform on stage, they are exercising their fundamental right to poke fun at others. Again, their religious identity is irrelevant.

Offences under Section 143, 269 and 506(1) of IPC and Section 3 of Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 were not made out against Ponniah: Therefore, emphasizing the need for State’s vigilance in matters like Ponniah’s, the court stated[7], “The State cannot remain a mute spectator in such situations. To uphold the sanctity of the Constitution and maintain public order, the strong arm of law will have to come down heavily on those who seek to disrupt communal peace and amity. ” Stating thus, Court refused to give immunity to Ponniah from application of said sections[8]. However, court opined that offences under Section 143, 269 and 506(1) of IPC and Section 3 of Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 were not made out against Ponniah. The order mentioned that he also made mocking, derogatory references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a state Minister during a meeting at Arumanai in Kanyakumari district in the state[9].

Backdrop of the matter: On 18th July, 2021, in a meeting organized at Arumanai, a village in western Kanyakumari District Ponniah had allegedly given a speech outraging sentiments of Hindus. He had even painted Bharat Mata & Bhuma Devi as filthy & causes of infection.The speech went viral and provoked considerable public outcry. In the aftermath, a case was registered against Ponniah for the offences under Sections 143, 153A, 295A, 505(2), 506(1) and 269 of IPC and Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. To quash the FIR, the present petition had been filed[10].

Tamil Nadu Bishops Council (TNBC) worried about the hate-speech of George Ponnaiah: Besides the arrest and a number of charges he faced, Ponnaiah also faced the heat of the Vatican over his remarks[11]. A top source in Tamil Nadu Bishops Council (TNBC) told The Indian Express last October 2021 that Ponnaiah’s speech was one of the three major cases of aberrations[12] (from the values of church) that forced the Apostolic Nunciature in India — the Vatican’s envoy to New Delhi — to issue a strongly worded message to the Tamil Nadu clergy, directing to stay away from holding positions in independent trusts and NGOs with a remark that many of them have become “financial and political power bases for the priests involved”.

“I am certain that on the Judgment Day, God shall admonish the petitioner for having committed an un-Christian act”: The last paragraph of the judgment goes in this way, “19. After reading Paul Johnson’s book which he describes as “A Biography from a Believer”, I must say that I fell in love with Lord Jesus Christ. Did he not say “Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God”?. Recently, the world became poorer on account of the sad demise of Rev. Desmond Tutu, the great South African anti-apartheid leader. I only wish that the petitioner reads themoving tribute paid by Shri.Gopalkrishna Gandhi. I am certain that on the Judgment Day, God shall admonish the petitioner for having committed an un-Christian act”.

A special treatment to Christians in India?: Earlier a judgment was issued in the same way asking the offender to read bible and repent. Another judgment allowed nuns not to pay Income Tax. Now, this judge says that “I am certain that on the Judgment Day, God shall admonish the petitioner for having committed an un-Christian act.” So the Christians of this secular State India can get away by violating certain provisions of Acts and Rules and yet get exonerated, pardoned and absolved from the violations, sins and other moral defections.  A rationalist or an academic or a satirist can escape and so also an evangelist. Thus, hereinafter, the blaspheming Dravidian atheists cannot be questioned, as they may quote Munawar Faruqui or Alexander Babu or George Ponnaiah!

©  Vedaprakash

09-01-2022

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[1] LawBeat, [Right to Free speech] Cannot insult other’s religion and still claim immunity : Madras HC in Pastor George Ponniah’s case, Salil Tiwari, 06:18 PM, 08 Jan 2022

[2] Case Title: Fr.P.George Ponnaiah v. The Inspector of Police, Arumanai Police Station, Kanyakumari District, Kanyakumari and Ors.

https://lawbeat.in/top-stories/right-free-speech-cannot-insult-others-religion-and-still-claim-immunity-madras-hc

[3] The Hindu, Priest’s remarks on Bharat Mata prima facie promote enmity, says HC, Tilak Chandar, MADURAI, JANUARY 07, 2022 22:07 IST; UPDATED: JANUARY 07, 2022 22:07 IST.

[4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/priests-remarks-on-bharat-mata-prima-facie-promote-enmity-says-hc/article38177840.ece

[5] Times of India, Evangelists can’t hurt religious belief and claim immunity too, rules Madras HC, Kaushik Kannan / TNN / Updated: Jan 8, 2022, 06:17 IST.

[6] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/evangelists-cant-hurt-religious-belief-and-claim-immunity-too-rules-madras-hc/articleshow/88764304.cms

[7] LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK, Offensive Words Against ‘Bharat Mata’ & ‘Bhuma Devi’ Attract Offence Under Section 295A IPC : Madras High Court Refuses To Quash FIR Against Catholic Priest, 7 Jan 2022 3:38 PM.

[8] https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/offensive-words-against-bharat-mata-bhuma-devi-attract-offence-under-section-295a-ipc-madras-high-court-catholic-priest-george-ponniah-188989

[9] Hindustan Times, ‘Deliberate, malicious’: Madras high court raps Christian priest for remarks on Hindus, By Press Trust of India, Madurai, Updated on Jan 09, 2022 12:15 AM IST.

[10] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/deliberate-malicious-madras-high-court-raps-christian-priest-for-remarks-on-hindus-101641667559266.html

[11] Indian Express, Tamil Nadu: Catholic priest spoke of Bharat Mata in ‘offensive terms’, HC refuses to quash FIR, Written by Arun Janardhanan | Chennai | Updated: January 9, 2022 2:27:32 am

[12] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/catholic-priest-bharat-mata-offensive-terms-quash-fir-7713199/

Johnrose Austin Jayalal – IMA President, Doctor, member of IMA, Christian or citizen of India – how he reacted to get into a case and exposed!

Johnrose Austin Jayalal – IMA President, Doctor, member of IMA, Christian or citizen of India – how he reacted to get into a case and exposed!

Initially, it started as Baba Ramdev vs IMA (Indian Medical Association): Baba Ramdev reportedly commented that the allopathic medicine was not so curative to the Corona conditions and he would rather prescribe Ayurvedic medicine. So the doctors under the banner IMA started attacking him with condemnations, demonstrations, legal notice demanding Rs 1000 croes and even filed many cases from many places in India. At one stage, even the PM asked him to apologize and he did. Yet, the IMA has not been relentless and continued to attack him. Hitherto, none knew  of the person of the name and style, “Johnrose Austin Jayalal,” a doctor, president and harbinger of the protests initiated against Baba Ramdev. So, Baba has decided to face the legal battle and requested that all petitions may be tagged to together, so that he could face at the Supreme Court. Under such circumstances only, the background of  Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal started revealing. Yes, he was also acting as a Christian, of course, that is not an issue, but as an evangelist responding to specific querries about saving souls, harvesting during the pandemic conditions etc., as the God has shown the wonderful way for their evangelization activities to carry on.

March 2021 – Johnrose Austin Jaylal reacted as a Christian than a doctor or the President of IMA[1]: The Christian doctor has observed churches supporting members suffering from poverty, church hospitals serving the community at large, and fellow Christian physicians volunteering to serve in some of the places hardest hit by the coronavirus[2]. “I am able to see, even amid persecution, even amid difficulties, even amid the control by the government, even among the restrictions we face in openly proclaiming the message of love, by various means and ways, God Almighty is present,” he told CT (Christianity Today). Jayalal recently spoke with Christianity Today about the pandemic’s silver linings for Indian Christians and what Western Christians can learn; tensions with the government over modern and alternative medicine; and how his faith has affected his leadership of one of his nation’s largest professional councils of health care workers. “…. This was during lockdown, so the churches were closed for six or seven months. Church leadership identified the families that needed support and offered financial and material support and counselling to the church members who were below the poverty line…..”

Why the IMA has been defending Prof Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal?:  Immediately, on 30-03-2021, the IMA came out with a letter, of coursing adding the copy of the letter of  Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal, defending him, “It is unfortunate that some news is being circulated with notorious comments against our respected National President Prof Dr J A Jayalal. I am sharing his response which is self-explanatory and appropriate. Please also note that such false propaganda and wrong interpretations are viewed seriously at IMA HQ and necessary action shall be initiated in due course of time.” Again, three months later, the letter dated 01-06-2021 has been intriguing, as without mentioning anybody’s name, “People creating confusion during an epidemic regarding National Treatment Protocols and National Vaccination Programme are traitors and anti-national. They are anti people and anti humanity. They deserve no mercy.” However, they imitated their tirade only against Baba Ramdev!

March 2021 – Johnrose Austin Jaylal explained his strategy of conducting more services etc: The Christian doctor continued,  “…..For instance, instead of one service, now we are having two services…….The congregational churches and independent churches were doing two things: social media and mass media support. Two main groups, Jesus Calls and Jesus Redeems, were systematically conducting services at particular times. In fact, people were able to spend a lot of time on religious activities………….We have seen how much time people will spend in front of the televisions and in front of the computers. But during the pandemic, families have come together, listening to the Word and participating in the prayers. That is a very good thing to happen……..I feel personally it was not a time of real difficulty for the Christians at that moment. We were able to worship and carry on our special assignments and duties. The only thing we were not able to do was meet as a congregation.” A Delhi mega-church pastor predicted in CT last year that the pandemic lockdowns would spur revival because Indian churches were turning unity efforts that started from persecution into service to community that extended beyond their church buildings on Sundays.

Rohit Jha filed a case against him in the Delhi Court – 03-06-2021 passed remarks against Johnrose Austin: When Johnrose Austin Jayalal showed his true colours, Rohit Jha filed a case in the Delhi High Court about his involvement in evangelization and thus strip of his membership to IMA[3]. As he expressed his conversion ideas in the interview, naturally, doubts arose as to how he could serve the patients as Christians and non-Christians[4]. Recently, on 04-06-2021, a trial court had pulled him up and cautioned him to “not use” the organisation as a platform to propagate any religion[5]. Additional District Judge Ajay Goel further asked Dayal to concentrate on the welfare of the medical fraternity[6]. “He shall not use the platform of IMA for propagating any religion and rather shall concentrate for the welfare of medical fraternity and progress in the medical field,” the judge said[7]. According to Jayalal’s appeal, the appellant gave the interview to Christianity Today, which was thereafter published on the website Christianity[8].  Citing the interviews given by the IMA chief, Jha sought the court’s direction to restrain Jayalal from writing, speaking in media, or publishing any content which is defamatory to Hindu religion or Ayurveda[9]. The trial court was hearing a suit filed by Rohit Jha, through advocate Sanjeev Uniyal, against Jayalal for allegedly starting a defamatory campaign against the Hindu religion by promoting Christianity in the grab of proving the superiority of Allopathic medicines over Ayurveda for treating COVID-19.

On 12-06-2021, Monday refused to stay an order of the trial court: The Delhi high court on 12-06-2021, Monday refused to stay an order of the trial court which had asked Indian Medical Association (IMA) president Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal to refrain from using the organisation’s platform “for propagating any religion”[10]. Justice Asha Menon said that she will not pass any ex-parte order as nobody appeared on behalf of the person on whose complaint the trial court had passed the order on June 4, 2021[11]. It said the high court will have to look into the order passed by the trial court and cannot take a superficial view. Challenging the trial court’s order, advocate Tanmaya Mehta, representing Jayalal, claimed that the IMA chief never gave such an assurance to the trial court since he has not done anything wrong. He contended that there was no television debate between Jayalal and yoga guru Ramdev and that he was not propagating any religion, including Christianity. He further said that the suit before the trial court was based on fake news.

20-06-2021 – Court asked to file affidavit: A Delhi Court has asked Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) president, secretary, and others to file a response to a civil suit which sought direction to them to tender a public apology for allegedly making derogatory remarks against ayurvedic medicines and treatment[12]. Civil Judge Deeksha Rao issued notice to IMA, its president Johnrose Austin Jayalal, secretary Jayesh M Lele, National Medical Commission (NMC) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), asking them to file a reply on a suit filed by one Rajender Singh Rajput. The Court has listed the matter for further hearing on July 9, 2021[13]. Now, the vociferous IMA and the Hon’ secretaries and others have not joined the issue, to implead themselves and defending their president, as IMA too, was issued with the Court Notice.

27-07-2021, the appeal filed by Johnrose Austin Jayalal dismissed: The Delhi High Court on 27-07-2021, Tuesday dismissed the appeal filed by Indian Medical Association (IMA) president Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal[14] challenging a trial court order that criticised his remarks on Ayurveda in an interview as allegedly “propagating Christianity”. Justice Asha Menon dismissed his appeal[15]. In his appeal, the IMA chief stated that “trial court without giving any heed to the maintainability of the suit passed an order and held that the appellant, Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal is misusing his position of National President of Indian Medical Association for propagating Christianity over other religion“. After noting down the submission made by Advocate Tanmay Mehta, Justice Asha Menon of the Delhi High Court issued a notice in the appeal and sought the response of the complainant, Rohit Jha. Even his (Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal) casual statement would have a big impact on society, the Delhi High Court told the IMA chief. Recently, a trial court had pulled him up and cautioned him to “not use” the organisation as a platform to propagate any religion. Additional District Judge Ajay Goel further asked Dayal to concentrate on the welfare of the medical fraternity. “He shall not use the platform of IMA for propagating any religion and rather shall concentrate for the welfare of medical fraternity and progress in the medical field,” the judge said.

Would IMA go on appeal in the Supreme Court in this case?: It is not known as to how the IMA deposed before the Delhi High Court or just allowed their president Prof Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal to handle through his advocate. Anyway, now, as the Delhi High Court dismissed his petition, he should go on appeal or file revision petition in the Court. Even the IMA can come out with their statements defending their faithful president. In any case, it is intriguing to note how such highly learned professors, doctors and medical experts of various fields have decided to defend Prof Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal, in spite of his controversial speeches and other activities. Even going by the secular yard stick, at lest some of them must or could have pointed out their biased, subjective and predisposed position and condition to do so, by defending the controversial doctor.

© Vedaprakash

04-08-2021

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[1] Christianity Today, An Indian Christian Doctor Sees COVID-19’s Silver Linings, INTERVIEW BY MORGAN LEE ,MARCH 30, 2021.

[2] Johnrose Austin Jayalal, president of the Indian Medical Association, says the pandemic stirred the church to action.

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/march-web-only/india-covid-19-pandemic-medical-association.html

[3] Nation World News Desk, IMA doctor demands resignation of JA Jayalal on Christian conversion, praises Ayurveda, U.S, 03/06/2021; Updated: 03/06/2021.

[4] https://nationworldnews.com/ima-doctor-demands-resignation-of-ja-jayalal-on-christian-conversion-praises-ayurveda/

[5] ANI, IMA chief moves Delhi HC against trial court order criticising his Christianity remarks, 14 June 2021. https://in.style.yahoo.com/ima-chief-moves-delhi-hc-132635633.html

[6] https://in.style.yahoo.com/ima-chief-moves-delhi-hc-132635633.html

[7] Brand.Bench, IMA Chief Johnrose Austin Jayalal moves Delhi High Court against trial court order deprecating interview to Christianity Today, Aditi, Published on :  14 Jun, 2021 , 3:30 pm.

[8] The President of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Johnrose Austin Jayalal has moved the Delhi High Court against a trial court order deprecating his interview to Christianity Today as being against secularism (Johnrose Austin Jayalal vs Rohit Jha).

https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/ima-chief-johnrose-austin-jayalal-moves-delhi-high-court-interview-christianity-today

[9] (Ajay Goel)  Vacation Judge/ADJ-04/Dwarka Courts/SW  New Delhi/03.06.2021….. Ld. Principal District & Session Judge, South West District, Dwarka on 09.06.2021

[10] Hindustan Times, HC refuses to stay order restraining IMA chief from using his post to ‘propagate any religion’,  By HT Correspondent, PUBLISHED ON JUN 14, 2021 11:41 PM IST.

[11] https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/hc-refuses-to-stay-order-restraining-ima-chief-from-using-his-post-to-propagate-any-religion-101623694305664.html

[12] ANI, Delhi Court seeks IMA president’s response on suit, 20 Jun 2021, 03:03 GMT+10

[13] https://www.indiagazette.com/news/269964623/delhi-court-seeks-ima-president-response-on-suit

[14] ANI, Delhi HC dismisses IMA President’s plea against trial court order criticising his Ayurveda remarks as ‘propagating Christianity’,  By Amiya Kumar Kushwaha, Updated: Jul 27, 2021 12:14 IST.

[15] https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/delhi-hc-dismisses-ima-presidents-plea-against-trial-court-order-criticising-his-ayurveda-remarks-as-propagating-christianity20210727121414/

The Christian illegal encroachment of Acharappakkam hillock portion and construction of Church complex disturbing ecology and the adjacent Hindu Temple! [2]

The Christian illegal encroachment of Acharappakkam hillock portion and construction of Church complex disturbing ecology and the adjacent Hindu Temple! [2]

The case is coming up today March 23, 2020: Justices M. Sathyanarayanan and R. Hemalatha on Tuesday [25-02-2020] directed Additional Government Pleader R. Vijay Kumar to take notice on behalf of the Revenue Secretary as well as the Chengelpet Collector and obtain instructions by next month-March 2020[1]. The case is adjourned till the survey was over and fixing the next hearing on March 23, 2020[2]. According to Church version, “Pushpam Adigalar,” a Catholic priest held the charge of St. Joseph church, Acharappakkam in 1965. He reportedly started St. Joseph Elementary School for children there. There were no constructed structures until 2004, as being reported by the Tamil media[3].

How Mazhai Madha myth floated church constructed and the case started [2004 to 2017]:  In 2004, Backiya Regis took charge and he started construction of structures around the statue. It implies that there was a statue earlier and round which he started construction work. The mountain path was encroached and the work started at Pallippet, a Meikaal poromboke area [meant for grazing of cattle]. As vehicles carrying bricks, sand, CTD Bars and other construction materials, that path was encroached and converted into the road. The multi-storeyed buildings built. The Mazhai Madha church was reconstructed. To compete with and confuse the Hindu devotees, the Christians started “special prayers” on Paurnami days in 2005. As more and more Christian crowd started coming there from outside, the local people started objecting to such movements, as it caused a lot of nuisance. Whenever the local people complained to the respective authorities, they used to issue “warning notices” to the Church. They also used to have “dialogue” with the local people. However, the Church did not care and the authorities also did not take any action and thus the illegal activities went on, evidently with their co-operation and blessings. When all these illegal activities had been going on for many years, why, now the Tamil media coves this giving these details is also intriguing. To sum up, all the involved people have been doing this only because of certain extra-official and legal consideration.

Raja, a single man fights?: R. Raja told to the media, “When asked, the Revenue officials informed only four acres of meikaal poromboke land was encroached by the church authorities. But, when we went there to measure, it was revealed that they have encroached more than 60 acres of land. The hillock area coming under the forest department, mountain path and meikaal poromboke area and the areas covered under the department of Archaeology are involved. Initially, I sent registered letters to these departments pointing out the facts. As they did not take action, in other words, have been giving tacit support to the Church people I filed this petition before the Madras High Court”. But, here also, the intriguing factors have been, the authorities in question have been aiding and abetting for the last 14 years. Therefore, sending letters to the same authorities would be futile only. As the government officers change periodically, they do not bother about such letters, unless, they are addressed to their higher authorities, vigilance section etc. But what was done is not revealed in the news coverage. Therefore, as this petition has been in the court, it is right time that people like Subramanyam Swamy to take up and argue, as otherwise, for some flimsy technical reason, the petition would be rejected and the involved would be absolved from all the illegal and criminal activities.

The massive Chruch complex has been built with an agenda: As the issue is critically analysed with circumstantial evidences, the present buildings, guest houses, hotels, road for vehicles and steps for devotees and other infrastructure, it is evident that all have been well-planned and executed with crores of money. Hundreds of lorries carrying construction materials had gone; thousands of workers involved and huge amounts disbursed. Thus, there should be enough documents for al such activities taken place. Moreover, in between, many foreigners were brought here, declaring this Church complex as “International Retreat Centre.” Therefore, all such details are also available. Thus, if the documents are asked for verification before the court, all facts would be out and the involvement of people, officials and departments would be exposed. How the Patta, current, drainage and so many sanctions and clearances have been given, which officers signed those documents would be known, as they are open to the public. Therefore, as the case is posted tomorrow, i.e, 23-03-2020, the concerned should observe the proceedings.

The case should be argued/conducted properly: As pointed out the Court ordered to conduct a proper survey and report to the Court on March 23, 2020. But, the general public does not know what will happen. Who would appear/depose before the Judges, what details they submit etc. “We will redeem temples, reclaim, recover temples,” Temple protection Committees and so on. But, I could not find that any one of them filing a petition to tag themselves in the case. From 25-02-2020 to 23-03-2020, what happened is also not known to the public. Therefore, the case should be argued properly, As the church has already spent crores, they do not mind in spending moe to win the case, as their influence at all levels is well-known.  But, who would support Sothuppakkam R. Raja is not known. There has been one version that the area was leased to them for 99 years lease. If that is the case, who would unlease it? Therefore, as this petition has been in the court, it is right time that people like Subramanyam Swamy to take up and argue, as otherwise, for some flimsy technical reason, the petition would be rejected and the involved would be absolved from all the illegal and criminal activities, as pointed out above.

The support extended to this illegal Church from Archbishop to the Vatican: A Catholic website, “Indian Catholic Matters – A New Home for the Community” gives the following details[4].  Inaugurating the 31st Plenary Assembly of the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) of the Latin Church, in Chennai on January 9, 2019 [Wednesday], Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, exhorted the Church in India to pay attention to the needs of the humanity. His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, in his presidential address, made an appeal to the Church in India to revitalise the Evangelization and added to it he insisted “our Evangelization should be full of life, full of love for mission.” Archbishop Anil Cuoto, the Secretary-General read the annual report of the Conference. Archbishop George Antonysamy, the Vice President read the message of Holy Father Pope Francis and Cardinal Filoni the Prefect of Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Archbishop George added India needs the Church and the Church needs India. The Inaugural session began with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.

Why Mazhai Madha Church is important and significant[5]: Most Rev. Dr. A. Neethinathan the Bishop of Chingleput in his welcome address listed out the reasons why Chingleput is the right place for this 31st Assembly, as it is the land of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Apostle of India and has as part of its diocese the Holy Hill of His Martyrdom. “The patron saint of the diocese St. Joseph, father figure of the Church who guards the Church. Mazhai Malai Madha our co-patroness the mother of the Church – who accompanied the early Church,” he said. Chingleput Diocese which comprises of the civil district of Kancheepuram is the place of other religious people live majority and provides us with the opportunity to be Joy of the Gospel. The seven days meeting of the Bishops will discuss the Theme “The Joy of the Gospel” and will look at the new forms of evangelization and the ways and means – to foster the Evangelization. The assembly will also discuss the matters affecting the Latin Catholic Church in India. There are 132 dioceses and 189 Bishops of the Latin Church in India. The Conference of the Catholic Bishops in India (CCBI) is the largest Episcopal conference in Asia and fourth in the world.

Do the Hindus have such congregation, commitment and work?: The Christians or Mohammedans or opposite ideologists have been working with commitment and highly professional with sophisticated training. Do the Hindus have such training and professionalism? Do the Hintutwa guys could match these people? Most of the guys appear whenever BJP is in power do something, earn money, stabilize themselves and keep quiet. If the BJP is out, they too disappear. But, the opposite ideologists have not been like that. They work continuously or committed people carry on the work for years. As otherwise, all these things could not happen, in spite of their sexual crimes, pedophile offences and other law-breaking sins or sinful law-breakings. So what is the response of Hindus?

© Vedaprakash

22-03-2020

[1] NEWS18, அரசு நிலத்தை ஆக்கிரமித்து தேவாலயம் கட்டப்பட்டதா? தமிழக அரசு பதிலளிக்க உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு!, LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 25, 2020, 3:35 PM IST.

[2] நியூஸ்.ஜே, மலையை ஆக்கிரமித்து தேவாலயம் அமைப்பு : தமிழக அரசு பதில் அளிக்க உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு, Feb 25, 2020 06:18 PM.

https://www.newsj.tv/view/tructure-of-the-church-occupying-the-mountain-:-High-Court-orders-response-of-the-Government-of-Tamil-Nadu-36956

[3] விகடன், அத்துமீறிய மழைமலை மாதா நிர்வாகம்… சிதைக்கப்பட்ட மலைக்குன்று! உயர்நீதிமன்ற கெடுபிடி, பா. ஜெயவேல் Published:26-02-2020 at 7 PMUpdated:Yesterday at 7 PM.

https://www.vikatan.com/news/controversy/madras-high-court-seeks-a-report-on-acharapakkam-madha-shrine-land-issue

[4] ICM News,  Pay Attention to the Needs of Humanity, Apostolic Nuncio Urges Church, January 9, 2019 Team ICM News

[5] https://indiancatholicmatters.org/pay-attention-to-the-needs-of-humanity-apostolic-nuncio-urges-church/

“Thomas myth” raked up by the Kerala Church to suppress the multi-crore land scam racist, liturgical and catechetical problems (2)

“Thomas myth” raked up by the Kerala Church to suppress the multi-crore land scam racist, liturgical and  catechetical problems (2)

G. S. Narayanan pointed out that Kerala was not habituated during first centuries: Noted historian M G S Narayanan said there were no historic documents to suggest that St Thomas had come to India for evangelisation work[1]. “There were no human habitations here at that time in Kerala. There was only forest here. How would he visit such a place? For what? . Human settlements began towards the end of Mauryan dynasty, he said. It is common for religious heads and political parties to twist history for their benefit, he told a Malayalam TV channel. The Syrian Christian community in Kerala believes that St Thomas came to this part in AD 52 and had established churches. The community considers St Thomas as the ‘Father in Faith’ of Christians in India. The Syro-Malabar Church has over 30 dioceses in the country and four outside– in the U.S.A., Canada, Australia and Britain–serving over five million faithful. M.G.S. Narayanan had earlier questioned the claim[2]. “Thomashleeha (as St. Thomas is known in Kerala) is an imaginary thing. He is one of the apostles. He should be Christ’s contemporary. If he had come to Kerala, there would have been only forests in Kerala, let alone Brahmins,” Narayanan told Outlook. “Syrian Christians’ trade relations with Kerala started in 2nd and 3rd century. Brahmins came as a hegemonic community in Kerala only in 8th Century,” he said. Pius Melekandathil, professor at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), who is an expert on maritime history and church history, admitted that it is a matter of dispute however saying that the probability factor has to be taken into consideration.

The Bishop, Geevarghese Mor Coorilos asserted that Thomas never converted Brahmins[3]: The Bishop of Niranam diocese, historically one of the oldest dioceses of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in Kerala, has criticized the upper caste tendencies among believers fuelled by a “mythical” belief that St. Thomas converted Brahmins to Christianity in Kerala[4]. It is also widely believed that St Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Christ, had converted members of top Brahmin families in Kerala to Christianity. Though the Abrahamic faith is devoid of caste hierarchies, Christian families often hold get-togethers to celebrate their lineage and put out books proclaiming their Brahmin origin[5].  The Bishop, Geevarghese Mor Coorilos, however, in a Facebook post announced[6] that he would not attend any such get-togethers, dubbing them as “programs to assert their artificially created upper caste identity and lineage.” “They say their ancestors were Brahmins converted by St. Thomas. They even put out their family history in books proclaiming such false notions. These baseless, savarna caste-oriented and reactionary myths have to be busted,” read his statement in Malayalam, adding, “I did attend such events due to my personal intimacy with them. But, I regret it. I can’t (do it) any more”.

Supporting Brahmin or Dalit – the Church divided: “It is a matter of debate. But, many historians have seen it as highly probable and reliable. The earliest reference to St. Thomas preaching gospel to Brahmins is from St. Jerome of 4th century. Among the converts , the Brahmin converts seem to have been quite significant enough to attract the special attention of St. Jerome, who mentions that the apostle went “ut Christus apud Brachmanas praedicaret” (to preach Christ to the Brahmins),” he said. “This needs more investigation. It is more nuanced and complex. Brahmin does not mean one single category of social group. There were different categories of Brahmins in Kerala. It was not a period where there was absence of Brahmins. It’s true they came as a hegemonic group only in 8th Century. But, there were Brahmins as scattered and fragmented community even before that. Duties and obligations of Brahmins under Chera empire are mentioned in Sangam literature,” he said. Melekandathil also said that there are written documents of maritime trade agreement between Muziris (in Kerala) and Alexandria from 2nd century obtained from Vienna archive in 1985. The Bishop, who also serves the World Council of Churches as moderator of its Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME), later added, “Many address me as ‘Thirumeni’, a myth created by the upper caste[7]. They can call me a friend or father. If they want it to be formal, it can be Bishop. We have to change and should change many things,” To make his point, the Bishop quoted writer OV Vijayan’s statement “The English language is the best weapon to challenge the caste”.  He had also supported the hartal organised by Dalit outfits on 09-04-2018, Monday. “Normally, I do not support hartals as such protests in Kerala have not served their purpose. But I support the Dalit hartal wholeheartedly as it is against the atrocities faced by the marginalised sections under the fascist and feudal system. The people who are opposing the strike should introspect over their approach and mentality to the caste system and Dalits,” he posted on Facebook[8].

Catholic drama of caste, casteism and savarna: Fr. Paul Thelakat, former Syro Malabar Church spokesperson, echoed Coorilose’s statement. “In India we have bane that we irrespective of our religion have Manu sleeping within our consciousness. Everyone wants to establish one’s own upper caste glory. It is found in the ancient Christians of Kerala e.g certain families claiming to have been baptised from Brahmin families by St Thomas himself. St Thomas is supposed to have come to Kerala, it would be in the first century. Brahmins came to south India only in the 8th century. I am sorry to say upper caste mentality can be found also in Marxists in Kerala. Even though Marxism has a universal humanistic ideology, we find the upper caste surname kept, like Nampoodirpad, Menon, Pillai, Nair etc,” he said. Firm on his position despite the sharp and mixed reactions to his statement, Coorilos later wrote on the same post: “I am adding this after reading many comments to this post. Many of you are calling me ‘Thirumeni’ (a feudal honorific). That’s also a product of the savarna consciousness. You can call me a friend or Father. Or, if you want to make it more formal, you can call me Bishop.” “(Writer) OV Vijayan had said that English is the best weapon to resist caste. We must change. Change is must,” he said.

Rs 80 crores land sold for Rs 27.30 crore: Just like Vatican, the Indian Church has also been involved in many scandals from sex to money swindling and other activities. Particularly, from Kerala, the crimes related to the Church have been horrible from murder, sex and financial scams involving all types of priests, bishops and cardinals also. Pressure is mounting on Cardinal George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church based in Kerala, to resign after allegations that church land had been sold below market value in a deal that he had approved. Alencherry, 72, was ordained as a Cardinal, a priest of the highest rank in the Roman Catholic Church, by Pope Benedict XVI in February 2012. He is one of only five Cardinals in India. The deal in question concerns the sale of three acres of land in Kochi by the Ernakulam archdiocese in 2016 to repay a Rs 60-crore bank loan it had taken to build a medical college. The agent appointed by the church to conduct the deal had estimated the value of the land at Rs 27.30 crore, but the church has so far received only Rs 9.13 crore of that amount. However, priests and lay people critical of the action claim that the plot was actually worth at least Rs 80 crores However, Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) doesn’t seemed to be amused over the controversy. “There is no need to discuss the issue now. Those who raised the issue should solve it,” said KCBC official spokesperson Fr Varghese Vallikkatt[9]. But church sources pointed that Fr Thelakkat’s statement was made in connection with the ongoing land controversy in the Eranakulam-Angamali archdiocese and the tiff between the Ernakulam-Angamali diocese and the Changanacherry archdiocese respectively[10].

© Vedaprakash

17-04-2018

[1] Covai Post Network, Historian Narayanan rubbishes St Thomas’s visit to Kerala to convert Hindus, April 15, 2018.

[2] https://www.covaipost.com/kerala-news/historian-narayanan-rubbishes-st-thomass-visit-to-kerala-to-convert-hindus/

[3] Indian express, Kerala Jacobite Church Metropolitan Geevarghese Mor Coorilos fires salvo at faithful’s ‘false beliefs’, By Express News Service | Published: 10th April 2018 03:24 AM, Last Updated: 10th April 2018 03:24 AM

[4] http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/apr/10/kerala-jacobite-church-metropolitan-geevarghese-mor-coorilos-fires-salvo-at-faithfuls-false-belief-1799309.html

[5] Outlook, Bishop Demolishes The Biggest Conversion ‘Myth’ of Kerala , 13 APRIL 2018 Last Updated at 5:21 PM.

[6] https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/bishop-demolishes-the-biggest-conversion-myth-of-kerala/310974

[7] News.18, Histories of Old Christian Families in Kerala ‘Fabricated’, Chandrakanth Viswanath | News18Updated:April 10, 2018, 11:45 PM IST.

[8] https://www.news18.com/news/india/kerala-syrian-church-bishop-calls-histories-of-old-christian-families-in-kerala-fabricated-1714533.html

[9] Times of India, Fresh row in church over St Thomas’s ‘visit’ to Kerala, TNN | Apr 13, 2018, 10:50 IST

[10] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/fresh-row-in-church-over-st-thomass-visit-to-kerala/articleshow/63742878.cms

 

Church, prayer hall, prayer conducted at a house etc and the attack of such places: Secularism and communalism behind! (2)

Church, prayer hall, prayer conducted at a house etc and the attack of such places: Secularism and communalism behind! (2)

Miscreants vandalise church in Madurai[1]: The reports have been evidently confused, biased and partial, as the “attackers” have been identified differently.  The “DT Next” published by the “Daily Thanthi” reported that “Miscreants vandalise church in Madurai”. One pastor appearing in U-tube directly accused that RSS attacked[2]. The Hindu reported, “The video of the group threatening one of the prayer homes was uploaded on Facebook by a person claiming to be a Hindu Munnani member.” According to another report, “A case was registered yesterday against 10 Hindu Munnani activists, of whom three have been identified.” In the name of secularism, the pastors what they talked and circulated through U-tube has been emphasizing about their right of worship etc. Interestingly, Vaiko supported Christians and opposed the “Hindu Munnani” cadre for attacking[3]. He also went on to accuse police that they have registered a case against the “unidentified” persons. In “Sub News” video, Iniko Irudhyaraj repeats the same story, but, another Christian accused BJP government at the centre and the “puppet rule” here at Tamilnadu want to carry out their “communal agenda” and thus, the attacks were carried on by the BJP[4]. Therefore, it is evident that the issue of “illegal churches” has been converted into “secular” and “communal” one.  India Today mentioned, “PTI SSN APR ROH SMN SMN” implying that this news is spread through different channels.

The Police assured that they would take legal action: One of the pastors assembled tried to incite Christians by talking in a different way[5]. He was vociferously suggesting that this video (in which was talking) should be circulated and all Church denominations should be united together to fight against the “communal forces.” The police have responded in the most responsible way, though, the Christians tried to create problem and that is revealed in this video[6]. The Police Inspector is seen informing the assembled Christians to be careful in using language against the Police. He asked the responsible persons to talk with him, so that he could respond. He informed that as they had already given a petition to the Collector and he in turn would instruct the police, definitely, they would take action legally. “As you are not enemies of the police, do not talk in such way,” he told pointing to some persons on his RHS.

Christians started playing safe and legally in the sense that they tried to exploit the judgments pronounced in the different contexts: From the above, it can be noted that the words and expressions, “Church”, “prayer hall”, “prayer conducted at a house” etc are mentioned differently, evidently, to suit the court judgments. In places like Kanayakumari, the Christians have their own problems, as different denominations object to each other for the construction of prayers halls, churches and other propaganda activities. If they are really faithful to their religion and worshiping their gods, then, there could not have been such rivalry, but, as they get foreign funds and they have to spend for the building of churches, such competition has been turning into enmity. The court judgments amply expose such internal rivalry. In other words, the Church known pretty well about the legal position and they have started playing safe and legally in the sense that they tried to exploit the judgments pronounced in the different contexts. The illegally built or performed “places of worship” issue is turned into different issue. Thus the so-called, “the attack of such places” is decided to be exploited by them under the bogies of “Secularism and communalism”.

Politicization of the issue suppressing the facts: Akshaya Nath of “India Today”, as usual gives the Christian version, but, failed to vertify the facts from other side[7]. His narrative goes in this way[8], “The incidents have got a lot of attention now, with many politicians paying a visit to the affected people. MDMK leader Vaiko, who was one of the first politicians to reach the site, said, “Everyone should live in harmony, some hooligans in the name of Hindu outfits have started this violence. These goons should be put behind the bars.” TTV Dinakaran, who had visited the location and met the affected pastors and devotees in Madurai after his announcing his party, said, “This is a barbaric act, people of Tamil Nadu will not accept communal or religious riots against the public. Here all are united. India is not a Hindu, Muslim or Christian country. Here all are living together whether it is majority or minority, we are all living like brothers and sisters. Especially, in Tamil Nadu because of great leader like Periyar, because of the Dravidian movement, because of the social reform, people will never look into their community or religion. People will never accept these things and those who did this will never succeed in Tamil Nadu.” In five days if the prayer homes were not shut the pastors will be killed was the warning given by the alleged Hindu groups, “This is a very isolated place, it is kind of scary. I am not able to leave my wife and children alone here,” said Jerome. “Everyone comes and meets us, many come and click pictures with us and go, now after all this there is no one to protect us, no politician, no police, none except for god,” said Priya. As these believers continue their lives in the hope that God will protect them, the fear of an attack by haters is given them sleepless nights”. Thus, he does not care for illegal constructions and related issues.

The State minority commissioner Bishop M Prakash met the pastors at Prayer Tower (16-03-2018): Under these circumstances, state minority commissioner Bishop M Prakash met the pastors at Prayer Tower, a church at Bypass Road and interacted with them[9]. Talking to reporters later, the commissioner said that their main role was to protect the rights of minorities and they had received numerous petitions from Madurai after the attack on prayer halls. That was the reason why he had come down to hear their grievances. They also received petitions from other minorities. Based on his findings, he would suggest to the government to take action on the petitions, he said.

Representatives of independent Christian churches have accompanied the commissioner when he met Madurai collector K Veera Raghava Rao and they urged the collector to take action against the functionaries who vandalised prayer halls[10]. The minority commissioner later also met Madurai city police commissioner Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal and discussed the matter. Meanwhile, Koodalputhur police in Madurai city limits have filed three cases pertaining to vandalisation of prayer halls. Based on complaints filed by I Immanuvel from Anbu Nagar, S Stanilaus and M Jegatheesan from Anaiyur, police have registered case against 50 unknown persons. The members of churches accompanying minority commissioner said they will stage mass demonstration if the miscreants were not arrested. A demonstration has also been planned by various organizations in Madurai city in this regard.

Hindu Munnai cadres arrested (19-03-2018 and 20-03-2018): Madurai City police on Tuesday, 20-03-2018 made the third arrest in connection with disruption of Sunday prayers at three prayer halls in Anaiyur and Koodal Pudur on March 11, 2018[11]. The arrested person was identified as K. Thanga Venkatesh (41) of Vilangudi[12]. He is the district secretary of Hindu Munnani. The city police have already arrested two other Hindu Munnani cadre, V. Aravindhan (21) of Thathaneri and D. Senthil Kumar (38) of Konnavayan Salai, in this connection[13]. Thus, the police has started arresting HM cadres, but, nothing is discussed about illegal prayers halls etc[14]. Ironically, the HM cadre has also not been expressive enough to present facts in its approach so far.

© Vedaprakash

20-03-2018

[1] DT Next, Miscreants vandalise church in Madurai, Published: Mar 12,201801:30 AM

[2] Indian Churches Network Joy Creative Production, Published on Mar 11, 2018; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNbOgTAFDmQ

 

[3] Red Pix 24×7, right wing group vandalises church vaiko angry news tamil, tamil live news, tamil news redpix, Published on Mar 12, 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWgt90OwWTY

[4] Sunnews Live, Church attacked in Madurai, Published on Mar 14, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O2m325Q4k0

[5] Indian Churches Network Joy Creative Production, Published on Mar 11, 2018;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a57K-7r233M

[6] Indian Churches Network Joy Creative Production, Published on Mar 12, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL6DR07ltcg

[7] India Today, Political parties condemn attacks on prayer homes in Madurai, by Akshaya Nath, Chennai, March 17, 2018, UPDATED 19:33 IST

[8] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/four-churches-attacked-allegedly-by-hindu-groups-in-madurai-this-week-1191679-2018-03-17

[9] Times of India, Minority commissioner talks to pastors, TNN | Updated: Mar 16, 2018, 11:15 IST.

[10] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/minority-commissioner-talks-to-pastors/articleshow/63323846.cms

[11] The Hindu, Hindu Munnani functionary held, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT MARCH 20, 2018 18:48 IST, UPDATED: MARCH 20, 2018 18:48 IST

[12] http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/hindu-munnani-functionary-held-madurai/article23303702.ece

[13] The Hindu, 2 Hindu Munnani cadre held, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, MADURAI, MARCH 20, 2018 00:00 IST, UPDATED: MARCH 20, 2018 04:58 IST

[14] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/two-hm-cadre-held/article23298209.ece

St Joseph Hospice: a place for dying or dead people, what has been happening to dead bodies? Skeleton export, organ trade racket going on or not (2)

St Joseph Hospice: a place for dying or dead people, what has been happening to dead bodies? Skeleton export, organ trade racket going on or not (2)

Woman sent by dead body coach forcefully: The next day, she was then bundled into the ambulance/truck along with a dead body and another man. Narrating the sequence of events, the woman said, “The doctors told them, the old lady has to be released tomorrow. And they left. Then in the morning when I asked, they angrily said to get into the vehicle. I asked them to send me by bus instead, but they didn’t agree. They made me sit in the vehicle. Then they sent the old man inside. And then they brought a dead body and put it inside.” When asked what else was inside the vehicle, the old lady said, “Only vegetables. There were bags of vegetables stacked. They put the body in after I got into the vehicle.” “I pleaded with them to let me go in Tambaram. I asked them with folded hands. But the boy (driver) didn’t stop,” she further said. On hearing the elderly woman’s scream for help, a motorist passing by intervened and forced the ambulance to stop. “I was returning from work. The grandma showed her hand through the window. She said please save me, please save me. I first drove past, but then I felt bad and decided to come back and investigate. I stopped the vehicle and asked the driver what was happening. He said he was taking them to a home as they had run away from their families,” the young man told Thanthi TV. The man then told the driver that he had no right to take them anywhere against their will. When the driver claimed he was simply following procedures, the man called the police. “Then the driver called someone and gave me the phone. That person told me, “Why are you interfering with this? We have called the station, and someone will come from there.” The person on the phone told me to leave the spot,” the man said.

Allegations of organ trade racket: Following the incident, it has now emerged that there have been complaints in the past against St Joseph’s Hospice, with some residents of Palaswaram raising questions over its functioning, alleging that the organisation is involved in an illegal organ trade racket. Speaking to TNM [The News Minute], one police official close to the investigation confirmed that a case of suspicious death has been registered regarding the dead body in the ambulance, and that investigations were underway. The body has been identified as that of Vijaykumar, a 70-year-old man, who had reportedly died at St Joseph’s Hospice in Tambaram and was being transported to its Palaswaram branch. The investigators, however, refused to comment on allegations of organ trafficking. Initial investigations reveal that the hospice has branches in several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Nagercoil and Madurai. On Wednesday, the Revenue District Officer in Kancheepuram, officials from the health department and the police visited St Joseph’s Hospice as part of their probe. An official belonging to the Revenue Department told TNM that they are compiling a report based on inputs from the Health Department and the police. They hope to produce this report in two days. However, the RDO admits that there have been oral complaints about the hospice to the previous administration, however no action was taken.

How free vegetables, human-beings and dead body were transported: When TNM visited the Paleswaram branch on Thursday 22-02-2018, Alex Pandian of St Joseph’s Hospice recounted his version of events. “We usually pick up elderly men and women in our trucks when we get a call from a hospital or anyone who looks us up online. That day, a friend of the home was getting married so we were transporting vegetables and groceries to the wedding in our ambulance. We received a call to pick up some elderly people nearby, so we took them in the truck as we were nearby anyway. The elderly woman is mentally ill so she was screaming,” he claimed. When asked about the why the dead body was also being transported with the vegetables and the two senior citizens, Alex claimed that the old man had died just as he was being taken into the truck, and therefore they decided to cover his body in a sari and bring him to the hospice. However, Jansi, an employee of the St Joseph’s Hospice in Dindigul said that the senior citizens and the corpse were being taken in the truck along with the vegetables, as the truck had gone to collect the vegetables from the Tambaram market when they had received the call from the hospice’s Tambaram branch. “We get vegetables for free from the Tambaram market, so the vehicle had gone to Tambaram to get the vegetables. That’s when they got the call about the three people, and by the time the driver reached, one of them had died. They wrapped the body in a sari, since we get a lot of saris as donation. And we were transporting them, when the old lady started shouting for help. She didn’t want to go to the home,” Jansi said.

 

Operating on expired license: But it’s not just the events of Tuesday that St Joseph’s Hospice is being investigated for. According to Thanthi TV reports, residents had alleged that the “recyclable burial pits” used by the hospice were in fact a way to export the bones of the dead and make money out of it. This is a serious charge and investigation has to be carried out. The ‘cemetery’ is a cemented structure with over 30 vaults to bury those who have died at the hospice. Alex said, “Elderly people die here frequently, sometimes even one in a day. In the winters, the numbers are higher. We don’t know their religion or caste so we bury them in this manner.” But, the videos posted in internet, clearly exposes, that they were offered Christian prayers and buried, as otherwise, they could have been cremated also[1]. That the same vault is used again and again without cleaning is proved by their own videos[2]. That air and water cannot go inside the vault and come out and thus, the method is scientific and such claims are made by Thomas[3]. But, all have been exaggerated, unscientific and Thomas or the visiting curious visitors never asked how the left out skeletons were disposed off. Evidently, the locals could have seen the lorries or vans carrying such stuff and that is why they have complained about human trafficking, sale of human organs, bones etc. Indian Express has also pointed out the expiry of licence etc., but, how they authorities have been keeping quite is not known.

Burials of bodies in vaults comes to light – The Hindu reported in February 2012[4]: Unauthorized disposal of bodies at a home for destitute persons functioning at Paleswaram in Salavakkam police station limits in Kancheepuram district came to light after some local people brought it to the notice of media[5]. The institution, St. Joseph’s Hospice for Dying Destitute, founded by Father R. V. Thomas, became operational from March 2011 after getting proper permission from the Department of Social Welfare. Destitute persons from different parts of State were brought to the home, set up on a 16-acre land and nurtured. Fr. Thomas was said to have played a key role in setting up a similar institution at Mettur Gate in Dindigul district in 2006 and to have taken more than 5000 persons left unattended by their relatives, into the Hospice fold. While around 4200 persons out of those brought to the Dindigul Hospice were given treatment for ailment, mental and physical, and sent back to their places of choice during the last five years, another 1179 people have died in peace at the Hospice, according to a pamphlet issued by the Hospice. At present, 86 persons were housed at the Paaleswaram Hospice and nearly 52 who died during the last 11 months were “buried” in reusable vaults, constructed on the Hospice campus[6].

“The reusable vault method” used to dispose off dead bodies: Meanwhile, a section of local residents annoyed by the method adopted for disposal of bodies on the Hospice campus brought it to the notice of the media as Fr. Thomas and others claimed that they had obtained permission from the authorities to dispose of bodies through reusable vault method, where the corpse wrapped in a cloth was allowed to decay on its own.  Subsequently, on Thursday afternoon 02-02-2012, a team of officials from the Social Welfare Department, headed by District Social Welfare Officer, Sarguna and Deputy Superintendent of Police, Madurantakam, Sridevi went to the Hospice to ascertain the facts. Fr. Thomas claimed that such a method was being adopted widely in Kerala and in some parts of Dindigul district and he had obtained permission from the Social Welfare Department to run an orphanage at Paaleswaram. When Ms.Sarguna pointed out that the rules and regulations, laid down by the department while granting the permission, clearly say that any death should be immediately intimated to the department and a decent burial of the dead should be ensured, Fr.Thomas claimed that he used to inform the Village Administrative Officer whenever a death occurred in the Hospice. He also said he had explained the reusable vault method to the Superintendent of Police, Kancheepuram Police District in person while obtaining a no-objection certificate from the SP. However, he was not able to produce proper documents bearing the seal and signature of the VAO on the list of dead persons or the set of documents, except a covering letter addressed to the SP[7].

© Vedaprakash

24-02-2018

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gGDqbRl5m0

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwhLvMgDxuI

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQdMXFoRK3Q&t=14s

[4] The Hindu, Burials of bodies in vaults comes to light, Kancheepuram February 03, 2012 02: 21 IST; Updated: February 03, 2012 02: 21 IST.

[5] http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/burial-of-bodies-in-vaults-comes-to-light/article2854628.ece

[6] The Hindu, Burials of bodies in vaults comes to light, Kancheepuram February 03, 2012 02: 21 IST; Updated: February 03, 2012 02: 21 IST.

[7] http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/burial-of-bodies-in-vaults-comes-to-light/article2854628.ece

Cardinal, bishop and other priests involved in land and financial scandals in Kerala (2)

Cardinal, bishop and other priests involved in land and financial scandals in Kerala (2)

Pressure brought on the media to silence: Indian Currents, a 21-year-old publication by Catholic Church has withdrawn its cover story ‘Cardinal Sin’ “under obedience” by its chief editor Dr Suresh Mathew[1]. They had probed the land dealings by their internal team against Cardinal Mar Alencherry, the major archbishop of Syro-Malabar church. Indian Currents is a weekly news magazine published from New Delhi under the patronage of the Capuchins of Krist Jyoti Province of North India which gives in-depth analysis of day-to-day events in the socio-political and religious fields. Usually, Dr Mathew uploads the online version as early as Saturday morning when the hard copy hits the newsstand on Monday. Just when the matter was going to press this Saturday morning, he got a call from his provincial house to withdraw the cover story, an editorial by himself and the corresponding article written by Fr Jose Vallikkattu, a missionary priest belonging to the Missionary Society of St Thomas (MST). However, in this case, he had to face the Church differently.

The article published was withdrawn: “As a priest, I should be obedient. When I received a call and an email from the Provincial House asking me to wait until the internal probe is over, there is nothing I can do but withdraw at the last moment. So I have been forced to withdraw all the articles on Cardinal Alencherry’s land deals that have landed the Archdiocese of Ernakulam – Angamaly in a mess,” he told DC[2]. So Catholic priests have to cover up the crimes, sex and financial scandals and all in the name of god and save honour. But now he and his editorial team have been forced to come up with Bhima – Koregaon violence in Maharashtra where he has asked political activist John Dayal and senior journalist A. J. Philip to come up with articles on a war footing. His hard-hitting editorial states that “there is more to the episode than meets the eye”.  He recalls the words of Cardinal George Pell, Vatican’s prefect of the secretariat for the economy, who had opined a few years ago that the “next wave of the attacks of the Church could be for financial irregularities” which has since been proved right, though the expert committee’s probe is on. The detailed cover story states that “with the latest land row, however, the church has run itself the risk of losing the trust of its congregations. In fact, a church that was built on the solid foundation of unity is today divided in opinion”.

The issue of black money also comes up[3]: A church panel probing land transactions in the archdiocese of Ernakulam has recommended action against Cardinal George Alencherry under Church and civil law for causing losses to the diocese. This is the first such recommendation — the case also involves black money — for a Catholic Church in India. Alencherry is among the Indian cardinals eligible to elect the Pope. The church panel report has been sent to Rome. Ernakulam archdiocese spokesman Father Paul Karedan admitted the probe report contained grave charges against Alencherry and said the report would have reached the Pope by now. “We have sent the report to Rome via the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican representative) in Delhi,” Karedan said. Two others were also blamed for the land deal. Last month, January 2018, the archdiocese had appointed a six-member panel, comprising priests and laymen, to probe losses suffered by the archdiocese in dubious land deals since April, 2015. Alencherry’s secretary and church spokesman Father Jimmy Poochakkattu said the Cardinal would not react now. “He will bring out a circular in which he is expected to explain everything. It will be read out in churches under the archdiocese,” he said.

The Church Report confirms financial scam[4]: The losses were incurred after the sale of five plots owned by the diocese in various parts of Ernakulam district. The diocese should have received at least Rs 27 crore from the sales, which they needed to repay bank loans, but received only Rs 9 crore after the dubious real estate deals. The report stated, “There is grave violation of the Church laws, which amounted to naked act of breach of trust and criminal misappropriation of properties.’’ The probe committee also found unaccounted money, which it termed a “grave issue”. “Total amount receivable according to 36 deeds is Rs 13.52 crore. But, there is a difference of Rs 13.62 crore between the documented amount and the amount in the curia (a diocese body) resolution. Receiving unaccounted money is a serious offence as per the Income Tax Act.’’ The church panel report stated: “The Major Archbishop (Alencherry) was directly involved in alienating all the five plots, which were sold after being divided into 36 pieces. The first deed was registered even before it was discussed in the Consulters’ Forum. Decision of the finance council quoted in all the 36 sale deeds is incorrect. The receivable value set by the diocese was Rs 27.15 crore, whereas the value according to the registered deeds was only Rs 13,51,44,260.” The report also noted that the diocese only received Rs 9.13 crore from the “agent”. “It is painful to note that at the time of execution of the sale deeds, Alencherry has not assured the receipt of money to the archdiocese.’’

Violation of Church law and civil laws along with the lack of transparency and collegiality: According to the report there were “numerous instances” of violation of Church law and civil laws along with the lack of transparency and collegiality. “As the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Alencherry should have taken utmost care in respecting the provisions of Church laws,” the report said. Two others from the Church – priest Sebastian Vadakumpadan and the finance officer Joshy Puthuva – were also blamed for the dubious land deal. The report also named Saju Varghese Kunnel as the kingpin in the deal and alleged that he enjoyed the confidence of the Cardinal and father Puthuva. Without naming the Cardinal, the committee recommended, “People who are responsible for the crisis should be tried according the law of the Church and necessary action should be taken for the violation of the civil law.’’

Where the money has gone?: The report stated that the registration of land deeds took place in violation of all norms even without receiving the entire amount from the sale. The committee found that the value of the land was Rs 4.47 lakh per cent but the archdiocese fixed this at Rs 9.5 lakh per cent. One cent is equal to 435.5 square feet. The report has blamed Alencherry for involving Kunnel in the transaction, but the former claimed he who introduced Kunnel to the finance officer Puthuva, who in turn said he acted under Alencherry’s instructions. The committee also evaluated that the diocese has lost Rs 46 crore in various land purchase and sale deals since April, 2015. Though the price fixed for five plots was Rs 9.5 lakh per cent, the then prevailing market rate was Rs 15 lakh per cent. Secretary of priests’ council Father Kuriakose Mundadan said the council had discussed the committee report on land dealings. “Alencherry informed the priests that the council would have an elaborative debate on the report later. The meeting of the pastoral council, a body of priests and laymen, would be held after the detailed discussion on the report in the priests’ council,’’ he said. Karedan ruled out chances of Alencherry’s resignation. “He has told the priests that he would give explanation for all the allegations after studying the report. He has reservations about some of the findings in the report. He has sought some more time to explain his stand,” he said.

All Indians, who violate the Acts and Rules should be brought to book and get punished: Indians can be kept quite as this is related to Church and so on, but, the violation of law of this land is different from their internal hushing and covering ups. Just like “Katta-panchayat”, they have been concealing many crimes. Abhaya murder case is almost forgotten. Therefore, these violations cannot be simply treated as were “numerous instances” of violation of Church law and civil laws along with the lack of transparency and collegiality. Just because, they have power, money and above all, all suppressing and oppressive capabilities, even God may not forgive their sins. Even in this case, as they have crossed all the limits, their own believers have taken action to punish the guilty and bring under the law of this land.

© Vedaprakash

02-02-2018

[1] DECCAN CHRONICLE. Magazine forced to withdraw story on Church land scam, | CYNTHIA CHANDRAN, PublishedJan 7, 2018, 6:35 am IST; UpdatedJan 7, 2018, 6:35 am IST

[2] https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/070118/magazine-forced-to-withdraw-story-on-church-land-scam.html

[3] Indian Express, Kerala: First black money case against Catholic church, Cardinal George Alencherry under cloud, Written by  Shaju Philip | Thiruvananthapuram | Updated: February 1, 2018 7:01 am

[4] http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-first-black-money-case-against-catholic-church-cardinal-george-alencherry-under-cloud-5046960/

Didde Ebenezer, pastor sexploits women from 2015 onwards – Victims come out, complaint filed, but escaped, secular media, women activists and tolerant groups keep quite!

Didde Ebenezer, pastor sexploits women from 2015 onwards – Victims come out, complaint filed, but escaped, secular media, women activists and tolerant groups keep quite!

The sexual crimes of Christian clergy in India: In India, the sexploitation of Christian priests have been increasing, alarming and nauseating, but, the media has been callously silent and indifferent. All sorts of sex violations, in fact leading murders and other serious crimes, have been reported, but, only few booked, adjudicated and jailed, whereas, most of others have been roaming with their frocks of different colours.  About Ram Rahim, the media blared, though, he has been a secular sexploiter. Had he been Hindu, the situation be different. After him, now comes Didde Ebenezer from Andhra. He has been virtually raping women for the last two years. Though Telugu media and local people have exposed, he has been roaming unscathed. The influence, he has with church or politics is inexplicable and not known.

On Deepavali day, complaint lodged by AP Women’s Commission chairperson: Didde Ebenezer has been evidently notorious and the victims exposed him. Expressing concern over the way a pastor allegedly subjected young women to sexual exploitation, AP Women’s Commission chairperson Nannapaneni Rajakumari, during her visit to Jagannadhapuram village of Tadepalligudem mandal in West Godavari on 18-10-2017 [Wednesday], instructed the police to arrest him and rescue four women reportedly confined by him[1]. Several women narrated to Ms Rajakumari how they were victimised by pastor Didde Ebenezer under the guise of running a Church at Jagannadhapuram[2]. “He would start by asking us to do simple things like giving him a massage, and then move his way up to more unspeakable actions. He would say that we have to follow whatever he says, or else something evil would befall us, no matter how disgusting his demand is,” a victim told media persons. Another victim alleged that the pastor was organise ‘special prayers’ and make women stand in the nude, in candle light. They also claimed that four women were under confinement with the pastor at present. The locals also alleged that the pastor’s male relatives also indulged in acts with women in the village. In other words, mass sex exploitation has been going in the name of god, church and divine activities.

Since 2015, Didde Ebenezer has been raping women: The victims informed the chairperson that the alleged misbehaviour of the pastor with young women was exposed in 2015 and a police case was booked. He has been exploiting women assuring them to make them to talk with God directly. However, for such divine exigency, certain rituals had to be followed, he insisted and explained to convince them. The poor women fell to his assurance and desire to talk with God agreed to be with him. Initially, he used to request favours like messaging his legs, hands, head and so on. Then, he used remove his shirt and asked them to message his back and front. In this way, indirectly, he induced them to develop instinct to have sex with him. Thus, he has been exploiting women regularly. In the house, where he was reportedly carried on such activities, used “Nirodh” packets were also found. Even after complaining to police, the women refused to return with parents. For this, one doctor explained that the women were mesmerized through some acts, so that they wanted to be with him only[3]. Moreover, they might have been drugged also, though he could not tell with confirmation, as such condition could be determined, only after testing. However, Ebenezer has been exploiting the women psychologically and physically.

Nude prayers conducted with candle lit: The police made enquiries at the houses of the victims and others. According to the victims, the pastor was exposed in 2015 and a police case was booked. The man, however, reportedly managed to get the case struck off in a local court with his influence, they alleged. In one case, he promised to marry a victim, but later refused. He tried to settle with her in a different manner. This was revealed by her narration to TV9 channel[4]. Later, he shifted his accommodation to Madhuru village to avoid trouble at Jagannadhapuram village. This is also evidently to avoid the legal implications of jurisdiction and all. The victims said that the pastor was targeting good looking young women and was even organising candle-lit prayers with the women in the nude[5]. The Tamil media also carried the story[6]. Obviously, it has been picked up from Deccan Herald[7]. Though, the media has not explained the significance of “nude worship”, it is detailed below in the Chriatian context.  They informed her that four women were under confinement with the pastor at present.

Victims explained how they were sexploited: Shocked at the ordeal of the women victims, Ms Rajakumari called up West Godavari SP M. Ravi Prakash and instructed him to arrest the pastor and get the four women released and handed over to the Women’s Commission. “We will immediately take him into custody, and free the women who are allegedly under confinement. We all had tears in our eyes when we heard the victims speak. This is not a normal incident. He has played with people’s life in a holy place like a church. We will prosecute him,” Rajakumari told locals, after the public meeting[8]. West Godavari Joint Collector said[9], “The allegations are shocking. We will ensure that he loses the title of ‘pastor’ and take strict action against him. We will find all the people responsible for the incident and assure action against all of them.” Later, she assured the women that she would fight on the issue until all the victims get justice. She said that as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was on a foreign tour, she would take it up to his notice to take stern action against the erring pastor after his return to the state.

Why Andhra infested with Christian sexploitation?: Meanwhile, a group of supporters of the pastor raised slogans in his favour claiming that he is a good person. They refuted the charges against him as fabricated. Using the church as his shield Andhra Pradesh pastor Didde Ebenezer committed a lot of crimes. Chief among them being sexually exploiting young girls and women of his parish, another newspaper pointed out[10]. It added that[11] “Earlier in September, there was another case of pastor abuse. The Renigunta rural police arrested Pastor Panneer Selvam, 54, for abusing a  minor near his house and allegedly forced himself on her.” That is why Andhra has been infested with the Christian sexploitation for many years has to be probed. Coming to Ebenezer, He does much publicity for himself and claims that[12] “he cares for HIV/AIDS through the social media Team members: Pastor.D.Ebenezer Didde, somebody”! So none knows that “nobody”. Evidently, he must have been wealthy enough to cover up everything and everybody to escape from the complaints and court proceedings.

Why Nude worship in Church and how it is allowed?: In 21^st century, one should ask as to how the nude worship is allowed in church and the Christians approve it. It is evident that it is allowed in USA under the guise of theology. Pastor Allen Parker, the leader of White Tail Chapel in the town of Southampton, said he came to the decision to allow naked worship after concluding the clothing requirements of other churches were overly ‘pretentious’, and decided his own flock should be free to forgo such materialism if they desire[13]. He believes he is in good company too, claiming many of the most important moments in the Bible happened while the protagonists were nude, including Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection[14]. Speaking to CNN, Parker said: ‘When he [Jesus] was born he was naked, when he was crucified he was naked and when he arose he left his clothes in the tomb and he was naked.’ ‘If God made us that way, how can that be wrong?’ he added.

Nudity started from Genesis and hence Christians can indulge in nude worship: Parker is believed to have drawn at least some of his opinions on nudity from the book of Genesis, in which Adam and Eve were originally described as ‘both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed’. It was only after sinfully eating forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge that Adam and Even are said to have seen their nudity as shameful, at which point they sowed fig leaves into loincloths. Although the church allows worshipers to attend services fully naked, many have decided they would rather continue to attend fully clothed, particuarly when in mid-winter, while others opt to just reveal their breasts or genitals. The idea is that nudity is ‘the great equaliser’, reminding all those gathered in the church that they are simple human beings and that, beneath any personal wealth or glamorous outward appearance, they are all more of less the same beneath the clothing. ‘There’s not a feeling that you have to be better than one another, physically. We’re humans, we have scars, we have what we have. It’s learning to love and accept that,’ Parker says.

Christian Nude worship or mass sex exploitation or group sex – what has been going on?: But, how in India it is allowed is a question. In Karnataka, when women were practicing exclusively such worship without any controversy, the modernized persons made it controversy and banned it[15]. Here, ironically, the Christians not only tacitly accepting, but also justifying indirectly However, the sexploitation of many women nearly 20 as reported by the Telugu media by Ebenezer has been monstrous, gruesome and grotesque and cannot be allowed on any account. Strangely, all the liberals and torch bearers who give sermon on toleration and all are keeping quite. None could imagine that they do not read this news, as this has been going on for three years.

© Vedaprakash

20-10-2017

[1] DECCAN CHRONICLE. Rajahmundry: Arrest pastor for abusing girls, Published Oct 19, 2017, 6:32 am IST; UpdatedOct 19, 2017, 6:32 am IST.

[2] http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/crime/191017/rajahmundry-arrest-pastor-for-abusing-girls.html

[3] Rapist Pastor || Victims demands stringent action || TV9 Effect, for details, see at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkhL41mu3d8

[4] AP Pastor’s dirty secrets exposed || TV9 Special Focus, For details, see at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNE4bkt6B44

[5] Church Pastor sexual harassment on Women at West Godavari | CVR News, for details se at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkWfPFiwQZ8

[6] தினகரன், ஆந்திர மாநிலத்தில் பரபரப்பு நிர்வாண பிரார்த்தனை செய்தால் கடவுள் ஏற்பார் என பாலியல் தொல்லை, 2017-10-20@ 00:59:03.

[7] http://www.dinakaran.com/News_Detail.asp?Nid=344197

[8] TheNewsMinute, Women tell tales of abuse by village church pastor to Andhra women’’s commission chief, Thursday, October 19, 2017. 09.16 IST.

[9] http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/women-tell-tales-abuse-village-church-pastor-andhra-womens-commission-chief-70211

[10] Asianet-newsable, Andhra pastor sexually abused women in the name of church, By Team Asianet Newsable | 01:47 PM October 19, 2017.

[11] http://newsable.asianetnews.com/andhra-pradesh/andhra-pastor-sexually-abused-women-in-the-name-of-evil-church

[12] https://in.linkedin.com/in/pastor-d-ebenezer-didde-5796a414

[13] Mail.online, ‘And they were naked – and not ashamed’: Church allows nude worship, by John Hall, Published: 09:34 BST, 11 Feb.2014, updated: 13.46 BST, March 6, 2016.

[14] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2556548/And-naked-not-ashamed-Church-allows-nude-worship.html</p>

[15]The Hindu,  Nude worship banned, By Our Special Correspondent, Wednesday, Mar 05, 2003

SHIMOGA March 4. The Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Tushar Girinath, has imposed ban orders in connection with the annual jatra of Renukamba at Chandragutti in Sorab taluk. The jatra is scheduled to be held from March 9 to 14. The ban has been imposed to prevent “bettale seve” (worship in the nude). The order bans the congregation of people during the jatra within a radius of 5 km. of the temple under the provisions of the Section 35 of the Karnataka Police Act. Mr. Girinath has allowed the performance of rites during the jatra. He has passed an order banning sale of liquor during the jatra time in a radius of 5 km. of the temple. The Chandragutti jatra was marred in 1986 when enthusiastic activists tried to stop the devotees from worshipping in the nude. The angry devotees retaliated. In the melee, volunteers and police personnel were attacked and paraded naked.

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/03/05/stories/2003030501410400.htm

V. Shanmuganathan: Was he a victim, scapegoat sacrificed for wrong calculations ? (3)

V. Shanmuganathan: Was he a victim, scapegoat sacrificed for wrong calculations ? (3)

Anti-BJP groups not properly identified, negotiated and satisfied: TUR leader Angela Rngad said while adding, “We want to show that the BJP’s anti people policies will not be tolerated.” Stating that the protest is also to show all that the BJP’s hate campaigns will not be accepted in the state, she alleged that the party, through the Ghar Wapsi and policies of grabbing of farmers’ lands, the make in India campaign are all efforts to enslave every citizens of country. Referring to the ban on beef and atrocities against the minority, Rngad accused the BJP of being a party that actually attacks the rights of people like attacking the lifestyle, food culture and habits and way of dressing. KNU general secretary S Diengdoh said that this indifferent attitude of the BJP against the minorities including Christians is totally undemocratic while adding that it is against the Constitution of India. HNPF president R Rani questioned why these issues have cropped up only after the BJP was voted to power. Here only, that the BJP had not properly understood the groups was revealed, to cite an example based on the media reports. He said, “We suspect that this is being instigated and we demand that the BJP central leadership respects all religious communities.” It is a futile exercise to have any negotiation with these separatist groups, as they have been carrying out their activities since independence supported by the US, Chinese and Pakistani forces with all facilities, where the BJP is not a match for them.

Shanmuganathan’s experiments with Christianity, Christians and Christmas (2015-16): His sudden praising of Christianity, Christians, their services were quite amusing, as he hid not have any experience in “inter religious dialogue”. Some of the Tamilnadu ideologists had gone there enjoying time, but, obviously misled them with their half-baked ideas and imagined details. Whenever, he visited Tamilnadu and Chennai, a coterie never allowed other friends known to him to approach him. This was openly revealed during the facilitation programme organized and Chennai. Because of his dual role here and there, he was rather confused with the inputs stuffed by the fellow-ideologists. The Church was so delighted to record that[1], “The Christmas celebration this year has got more meaningful since the head of the state the governor of Meghalaya Mr  V. Shanmuganathan himself attended  in the Christmas service  at Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church, Shillong on 25th December, 2016”.  Of course, he had been so considerate with the Christians since 2015.  He hosted Christmas at Rajbhawan with all fanfare. He gave discourse from biblical narratives, just like a pastor / priest from the pulpit. One website[2] characteristically as “Meghalaya Governor, V. Shanmuganathan while sharing inspirational stories said that churches have shown compassion and dedication towards the service of mankind”. The Presbyterian Church was so happy, as he participated the services with Bible in his hands[3]. Whether, he was experimenting with the different denominations, or dialoging in theology or otherwise, only God knows, as some of the websites started disappearing[4].

Inaugurated and praised Mother Teresa (September 2016): Meghalaya hosted a 4-day film festival titled ‘Mother Teresa International Film Festival (MTIFF)’ based on the life and teachings of noble laureate – Mother Teresa from September 6 to 9, 2016 in Shillong[5]. Addressing the inaugural function, the Governor stated that Mother Teresa represents the message of love, peace, enduring strength, hope and service to the world at large[6]. Underlining that understanding the pain of others is no easy a task, the Governor stated that Mother Teresa understood the pain of acute poverty. “She served the destitute, lepers, abandoned children, old people, the poorest of the poor and the downtrodden. Because she understood their pain, she was a solace, a helping hand and a source of comfort to them” he further stated. Showing his admiration for Mother Teresa for identifying herself with her love for the Almighty, he said that in a world where people identify themselves by the power they hold, or the money they possess, what truly marks Mother Teresa’s greatness is her identification of herself with her love of God. Applauding the great works and selfless services of Mother Theresa’s followers he further stated that their work must extend to all places. In August, when there was a photo of Teresa was there in the Spiritual Fair pur up by ASI, a huge cry was made and it was removed. However, they might not be knowing abut this!

Opposition to ADSPA, Left mobilization and BJP governor in isolation: In a recent Order of the High Court of Meghalaya[7] dated 2.11.2015 passed in Writ Petition (C) No. 127 of 2015, the High Court of Meghalaya has made a suo motu suggestion to the Central Government for the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, in the Garo Hills area of Meghalaya[8]. “It is shocking and deeply disturbing that a draconian law like the AFSPA is being sought to be imposed through a judicial order. There have been protests against this order in the Garo Hills area and in Shillong. What follows is a statement which carries objections to this order endorsed by more than 60 concerned citizens, from various parts of India – some whom are well respected and accomplished individuals in their fields, like law, academia, journalism, films, bureaucracy and activism”[9]. As usual in letter supporting the radicals signed by the eminent, elite and secularists appeared in the media. Thus, when Shanmuganathan came, it was not known as to whether he was understanding the problems and issues involved there in and around Meghalaya.

Tribal youth festivals etc., have been a trap for him?: Of late, he was moving with different tribal groups and participating in their festivals. He participated the Wangala festival. Wangala is the festival of the Achiks (Garos), the post harvest festival where the harvest reaped is celebrated with thanks giving to the Gods ‘Misi Saljong’ and ‘Mima Kiri Rokkime’, the Gods of the fields and the paddy[10]. For the Achiks (Garos) the agrarian activities is not only physical labour but a spiritual journey as well which culminates in joy at the Wangala Festival.  Thus, with joy in their hearts and sprint in their feet, they perform the Wangala Dance which is actually a synchronized movement of symbolic nature which co – ordinates with the drum beats. The Wangala dance is therefore a story of the Garos in rhythm. The word ‘wanna’ refers to dance and merry making and ‘gala’ refers to offering in thanksgiving. Thus, the word ‘Wangala’ means the dance of ‘Thanksgiving’[11]. Thus, he went on attending many tribal festivals[12]. He compared Wangala with Pongal. In any case, he could have restricted his program-attending agenda carefully. At every level, the intriguing point is who was the PA or advisor to him, when he was discharging his official duties. Definitely, that person must have been known to him or RSS person. Then, he must have gone into all details in the context of Meghalaya and NE complexities.

Was he a victim, scapegoat sacrificed for wrong calculations?: He has been a genuine worker without any selfishness. As already mentioned with his hard-work he has come up. Now, the media comes out with stories that “Shanmuganathan belongs to Saiva Pillamar community (a forward community)” and thus had / have difference with Brahmin-friends and so on[13]. This is mischievous, as RSSwalas never talked in terms of caste, in any context. Thus, the “Shanmuganathan-Ganesan” variance as raised by “The Wire”can be ignored in the context[14]. Then come the remarks of RSS media incharge – Sadagopan. “But the state unit of the RSS has a different take on this issue”, as noted by the Wire, picking from “The Hindu”, at least judging by their initial reaction to Shanmuganathan’s resignation[15]. “It is an unfortunate incident… A person occupying a high position should be doubly careful to avoid such allegations, as he represents an organisation such as the RSS and the BJP,” said N. Sadagopan, the sangh’s state media coordinator, in an interview to The Hindu[16]. His response has been in fact, unfortunate, intriguing, shocking and irresponsible too, as how he could have come out with such words. Instead of analyzing the issue, one should not try to show off himself indulging in such remarks. As explained above, the different complexities, intricacies and complications involved, Shanmuganathan has done excellent work, in spite of his health. He had an open heart surgery and in soite of such condition, he was performing his duties relentlessly. He has lamented many times that though he had many friends in Chennai, none visited him when he was admitted in the hospital for open-heart surgery. In fact, he pained that nonde came to sign the forms for the conduct of the operation. Of course, it went on well. In fact, he Unfortunately, as pointed out elsewhere, the Tamil and Tamilnadu friends have not analyzed the NE complex issues, Meghalya tribal politics, Congress-anti-national nexus acting against him and informed him. Perhaps, they have not been trained to understand, though, they have been making trips to NE under different banners like ABVP, Vidhya Bharati and so on. Therefore, the Sangh Parivar should assess, reassess and re-examine the involved complicated issues and political gameplans and respond accordingly. They should be trained in the NE affairs with national and international agendas, as they have many ramifications. As for as Shanmuganathan is concerned, his good deeds would liberate from his temporary problem. May God shower his blessings!

 

© Vedaprakash

30-01-2017

[1] http://spnewsagency.com/leit-jingiaseng-christmas-u-lat-ka-jylla-v-shanmuganathan-ha-iing-mane-presbyterian/

[2] http://thenortheasttoday.com/in-pictures-pre-christmas-celebration-held-at-raj-bhavan-in-shillong/

[3] http://spnewsagency.com/meghalaya-governor-mr-v-shanmuganathan-attended-christmas-service-at-presbyterian-church/

[4] http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2015.V_Shanmuganathan_Governor_Christmas_Message_20151226

[5] http://meghalayatimes.info/index.php/front-page/35466-meghalaya-to-host-international-film-festival-on-mother-teresa

[6] Nelive, Meghalaya: Mother Teresa International film festival gets underway in city, Sep 06, 2016 17:47, Shillong.

[7] Order of the High Court of Meghalaya dated 2.11.2015 passed in Writ Petition (C) No. 127 of 2015.

[8] THMA U RANGLI JUKI (TUR), Implications of Meghalaya high court’s suggestion to impose afspa in garo hills, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

http://raiot.in/implications-of-meghalaya-high-courts-suggestion-to-impose-afspa-in-garo-hills/

[9] http://raiot.in/implications-of-meghalaya-high-courts-suggestion-to-impose-afspa-in-garo-hills/

[10] http://meghalayatimes.info/index.php/front-page/36478-governor-adds-glitz-to-wangala-celebrations

[11] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/honourable-governor-attended-wangala-festival-11th-v-shanmuganathan

[12] http://meghalayatimes.info/index.php/front-page/36468-prelude-to-39th-hundred-drums-wangala-festival-begins

[13] The Wire, BJP Uses ‘Anti-Conversion’ Card to Defend Ex-Meghalaya Governor V. Shanmuganathan, BY R. RAMASUBRAMANIAN ON 29/01/2017

[14] https://thewire.in/103851/bjp-uses-anti-conversion-card-to-shield-ex-meghalaya-governor-v-shanmuganathan/

[15] The Hindu, Shanmuganathan’s exit shocks RSS, B. Kolappan, CHENNAI: JANUARY 28, 2017 00:00 IST; UPDATED: JANUARY 28, 2017 03:42 IST

[16] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Shanmuganathan%E2%80%99s-exit-shocks-RSS/article17106406.ece