New Delhi, Dec 23: Communal issues cannot be raised in the garb of environmental concerns, the National Green Tribunal has said while junking a plea for banning the use of Christmas trees and prohibiting the making of Santa Claus costumes, reports PTI.
Observers say that ever since 2014, ‘fringe’ rightwing groups have become emboldened and develop innovative ways to harass minorities, including Christians, who because of their ‘peaceful’ stance are taken as soft targets.
The NGT order came on a plea filed by a religious group ‘Ojasvi Party’ seeking directions to the Delhi government to prohibit the use of Christmas trees to save the environment from degradation claiming it involved plastic. It had sought a ban on the making of Santa Claus dresses to save wool and cotton from being wasted.
The petition had also sought prohibition on noise pollution which may be caused due to bursting of crackers on the eve of New Year and the use of loudspeakers after 10 pm. It is well known that several hardline Hindu groups object to New year celebrations , because they say that the calendar used is a ‘Christian calendar’.
“We do not see any dispute arising about the relevant provisions of Environment (Protection) Act…Law is the same for everyone without any discrimination on basis of caste, creed or religion.
“However, communal colour is being given in the name of schedule-I Act to the apparent grievances raised in the present application. We hope and trust Delhi government shall ensure implementation of Schedule I of National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. Hence, dismissed,” a bench headed by Justice U D Salvi said.
The green panel, however, asked the Delhi government to ensure that there is no violation of environment laws and no pollution is caused due to the festivities.
A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer like pine or fir or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas and New Year. Christmas is a hugely popular festival, especially in the larger cities and metros, and people of all faiths deck their homes with trees, and have year-end parties.Most Indians use artificial trees to decorate their houses.
Inter-faith gatherings during the Christmas season are popular in India. In many places, young people, regardless of religious affiliation come together to take part on Christmas carol singing and local carol singing competitions.
Many feel that this plurality is coming increasingly under attack in India, with the rise of the right wing demagogues ever since the BJP led government came to power.
Banning Christmas Trees is a communal, not environmental issue: NGT added by editor1 on
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