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9 July 2026

Chhattisgarh HC ruling on school prayer mandate

The ruling addresses significant constitutional questions regarding secularism, freedom of religion under Article 25, and the state's role in education, which are core themes in GS1 and GS2.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The Chhattisgarh High Court dismissed a petition challenging a State government order mandating the recitation of specific prayers (Saraswati Vandana, Guru Mantra, Gayatri Mantra, Shanti Mantra, and Bhojan Mantra) in State-funded schools.
  • The order is scheduled to be implemented from the 2026-27 academic session.
  • Petitioners argued the mandate violates Articles 14, 21, 25, 28(1), 29, and 30 of the Constitution, claiming it infringes on secularism and minority rights.
  • The State government contended the order does not constitute religious instruction or conversion and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes Indian Knowledge Systems.
  • The High Court termed the petition premature, noting that the order does not contain coercive directions compelling students to act against their conscience or religious beliefs.
  • The court ruled that the petitioners failed to provide material evidence demonstrating a violation of fundamental rights.

Questions

  1. Discuss the constitutional validity of integrating cultural and traditional practices in State-funded educational institutions in light of the principles of secularism and Article 28. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems. Analyze the challenges in balancing the promotion of cultural awareness with the fundamental rights of students from diverse religious backgrounds in a secular state. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution prohibits religious instruction in educational institutions wholly maintained out of State funds?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-09/chhattisgarh-hc-ruling-on-school-prayer-mandate