Supreme Court dismisses PIL seeking ban on burning of 'Ravana' effigies

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking a ban on burning of effigies of Ravana on Dussehra across the country, saying that the Constitution provides for freedom to practice religion to all citizens.

"Have you read Article 25 of the Constitution? It says that everyone has the right to practice his/her religion," a bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud told the petitioner while dismissing his plea.

The PIL, filed by Haryana-based journalist Anand Prakash Sharma, had sought banning of the practice of burning Ravana on Dussehra, saying "this practice is not supported by any basis mentioned either in Valmiki's Ramayana or Tulsi's Ramayana."

It also said that it hurt not only the sentiments of some sects of Hindus, but was also hazardous for the environment.

"More importantly, this illegal practice is a waste of money and hazardous to the environment and health of public," it said while seeking direction to the Centre and states to ban the "improper" practice.