Members of the Jain community in the city took out a silent march to register their protest against a recent Rajasthan High Court ruling on the practice of Santhara, which involves voluntary fasting-unto-death. The court had declared the practice an offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code.
Community members said that the practice was part of their beliefs, their religion and the government could not interfere in their practices. “Santhara is practiced as a way to attain salvation and our Gurus and Acharyas also preach it,” said Pannalal Singhvi, President, Jain Maha Sangh.
“The government does not object when Muslims beat themselves during Muharram. That is also harmful to the body,” said a prominent member of the community.
Hundreds of members of the Jain community participated in the silent march, which began from the Aradhana Bhavan in Sowcarpet ended at the Sri Dadawai temple in Otteri.
