Those that have a vested interest in forming government are misusing the secular fundamentals of India’s constitution for religion-based politics, said the Central Information Commission recently. The statement came from Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu after he heard a petition from RTI appellant Subodh Rawat, who had sought information regarding the Public Works Department’s removal of an illegal religious structure in the capital city of New Delhi that has proven to be a traffic hazard.

“The situation prevalent is that lives of citizen and peace is more important than the traffic hazard issue, and unfortunately, this situation is being exploited by the vested interests using 'religion' and religion-based politics,” said the Commissioner.

PWD authorities informed Acharyulu that the case involving the religious structure had called for much debate after which the Religious Committee has asked for it to be removed. The lieutenant governor of Delhi has also asked for a law to be passed that would help assess the constitutionality of the religious structure, but the PWD has not yet been able to remove it as Delhi police have refused assistance in eliminating the encroachment.

After hearing all parties involved, Acharyulu said that the current scenario echoes the unfortunate state of affairs where the administration is not being able to remove an illegal structure simply because it happens to be religious in nature and thus a potential cause for a law and order problem.

Acharyulu said that the appellant must understand that even though there is a disturbing delay, the PWD is trying its best to demolish the structure that has been obstructing traffic for quite some time now.

“The RTI appellant should also understand that secular character of Indian Constitution is being used to promote religion-based politics and there is no point in pressurising the PWD division for this,” he said.

Photo Credits: NPR