The Chhattisgarh High Court on Thursday said that no child can be forced to recite Hindu prayers in government schools while hearing a petition against a state government circular issued on June 12.Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad was hearing a plea challenging the circular, which ordered government schools to perform Saraswati Vandana, Gayatri Mantra, Guru Mantra and other Hindu prayers as part of the school routine.During the hearing, the State government informed the Court that though the circular had been issued in early June, it had not yet been implemented. Taking note of this allegation, the Court resolved the appeal.However, the Court gave liberty to the petitioners to approach them again if it was found that any child had been forced to participate in the prayers. He also pointed out that appropriate action would be taken if such a complaint is filed before the Court. A detailed order is expected.The petition was filed by former Chhattisgarh Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Salam Rizvi, former Minorities Department Chairman Mahendra Chhabda and Bilaspur social activist Shafique Ahmed. They contested the constitutional validity of the Department of School Education circular.According to the circular, government schools across the state were asked to conduct the National Anthem, National Song, Deep Mantra, Saraswati Vandana and Guru Mantra. He also directed the schools to read biographies of great personalities, recite Bhojan Mantra during mid-day meals and Gayatri Mantra and Shanti Mantra before dispersion.The petitioners argued that the circular violated the constitutional principles of secularism and fundamental rights.“Mandatory inclusion of Saraswati Vandana, Gayatri Mantra, Guru Mantra and Shanti Mantra amounts to religious instruction and promotion of a particular religion within government schools. Therefore, the impugned order is unconstitutional,” said the petition, cited by the Bar and Bench.The complaint also argued that the circular did not protect students who did not want to participate in religious activities The impugned order does not provide an exemption mechanism or guarantee the freedom of conscience of students who do not want to participate in such religious activities,” he stated.In addition, the petition stated that the circular did not maintain the religious neutrality of the State. “By prescribing prayers and mantras associated with one religion while excluding all others, the State creates an impermissible preference and classification based on religion,” the petition said.He also argued that the circular was against the secular nature of public education. “The state’s action effectively promotes and institutionalizes the religious practices of one faith in state-funded educational institutions, thereby violating constitutional guarantees,” the petition added.