Digging for Truth

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The article emphasizes the importance of secular and scientific approaches in exploring historical remains and protecting constitutional values under the Places of Worship Act 1991.

Digging at historical sites to establish facts must follow secular and scientific methods. The Places of Worship Act 1991 prevents altering the religious character of a place as it existed on August 15, 1947. This Act was introduced to avoid communal tensions arising from religious disputes over historical sites, especially during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

The Act bars claims or suits for changing the religious status of a place of worship post-1947. It ensures religious harmony and discourages exploitation of history for communal agendas. The Act also aligns with Article 26 of the Constitution, granting all religions the freedom to manage their affairs without interference.

Former Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, defended the Act's principles, emphasizing that a survey to establish a place's religious character is non-essential. Critics argued that the date of August 15, 1947, for defining the status of religious sites was arbitrary. However, it was chosen as the date when sovereignty shifted from the British to India.

The judiciary has upheld the Act, dismissing petitions that sought to amend it. The editorial concludes that history must be studied objectively and warns against using historical excavations to promote communal biases. Protection of constitutional values is vital for preserving social harmony.