The Maharashtra Superstition Eradication Committee has taken a significant step in their pursuit of justice by filing a caveat in the Supreme Court. The committee aims to continue the case against Indurikar Maharaj, a prominent preacher, who has made controversial and illegal statements regarding gender discrimination. This development comes after the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court, on June 16, revoked the District Court’s order to dismiss the case, thus allowing the trial to proceed in the court of the First Class Magistrate at Sangamner.
In response to the High Court’s decision, Indurikar Maharaj has been granted a four-week period to file further appeals, as per his request. It is anticipated that he may approach the Supreme Court to challenge the judgment made by Judge Kishore Sant of the Aurangabad Bench. As a precautionary measure, the Maharashtra Superstition Eradication Committee has proactively filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, ensuring that they will be heard in the proceedings. Avinash Patil, the committee’s chairman, highlighted this during a press conference held on Tuesday.
Avinash Patil emphasized the significance of the case, pointing out that Indurikar Maharaj’s continuous derogatory remarks towards women and his claims about fetal gender diagnosis perpetuate a system that marginalizes women and supports male dominance. The court’s decision to allow the case to proceed serves as a strong message to all individuals involved in practices related to female infanticide in Maharashtra, delivering a blow to their actions. Patil regarded this as an order that upholds the rights of women, particularly their right to give birth without discrimination.
Furthermore, Patil urged authorities to take action under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and impose a rigorous imprisonment sentence of two years, aligning with their commitment to combat gender-based discrimination and uphold the principles of justice.
The filing of the caveat by the Maharashtra Superstition Eradication Committee sets the stage for the legal proceedings in the Supreme Court, where the case against Indurikar Maharaj will be further evaluated and adjudicated. The outcome of this case carries significant implications for the fight against gender discrimination and the protection of women’s rights in Maharashtra.
