Government schools cannot force hindu prayers, says Chhattisgarh high court

05 Jul 2026, 05:17 by KalingaTV Bureau · KalingaTV

New Delhi: The students’ constitutional right to freedom of conscience was maintained by the High Court in dismissing a petition challenging a state circular regarding Vedic prayers during the morning assembly.

The observations by the court came during a hearing on a petition which was filed against a circular issued by the state government that had mandated the recitation of Vedic hymns at morning assemblies in government schools.

Petitioners had sought to set aside the state government’s circular because such mandated prayers would be in conflict with the secular fabric of the Indian Constitution and religious freedom.

During the proceedings, the state government had submitted to the Chhattisgarh High Court that no circular had been implemented in any government school across the state.

In light of the submissions of the state, the court dismissed the petition without quashing the circular.

However, the Chhattisgarh High Court clarified that should there be any instances in the future, where a government school obliges the students to read Hindu prayers and Vedic mantras.

The order is consistent with Article 25 of the Constitution, which grants the right to freedom of conscience and to freely profess, practice and propagate religion.

Government schools cannot force hindu prayers, says Chhattisgarh high court

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