With the Government still in the process of framing a law to abolish devadasi system in the country, lack of a concrete response on the issue in a PIl before the Supreme Court proved costly for the Centre which was slapped with a fine of Rs 25,000 for not filing its reply.
The special bench of Justices Madan B lokur and UU lalit were peeved to note that despite last opportunity granted by it on September 11, no reply was forthcoming from the Centre, and directed it to deposit a cost of Rs 25,000 for this lapse. Giving one final chance, the Court directed Centre to State its response on the issue by January 8.
The PIl filed by NGO Sl Foundation had raised concern over the practice of devadasi system prevalent in the country and specifically showed instances from Karnataka to highlight the plight of women, who under this tradition are forced to become a devadasi dedicating her life to the worship and service of a deity or temple. The NGO also sought urgent steps to restrain the ‘devadasis’ dedication held in February 13, 2014 at Uttangi Mala Durga Temple in Karnataka’s Devanagar district for being violative of Constitution.
It was in this context the Centre had to take a call whether the practice will be abolished totally. Although sources claimed that a bill in this regard is under preparation with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, a final decision on the provisions seeking to abolish the system is yet to be finalised.
The PIl cited the Karnataka Devadasis Prohibition of Dedication Act, 1982 and said that despite the law, the practice was thriving. Besides, it even conflicted with rights of minors who were forced into this practice in the name of tradition. The Court had, on a previous date, observed this practice to be a national shame and asked Karnataka Chief Secretary to take preventive measures to ensure Dalit girls were not exploited as devadasis.
