Source: BS
Context: The Supreme Court of India has constituted a three-judge Special Bench to hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
About Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991:
- Objective:
- Freezes the status of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947.
- Prevents religious conversion of these sites to maintain their original character.
- Major Provisions:
- Prohibition of Conversion (Section 3): Disallows conversion of places of worship between denominations or sects.
- Maintenance of Religious Character (Section 4): Ensures preservation of religious identity as of August 15, 1947.
- Abatement of Cases (Section 4(2)): Terminates pending legal proceedings and prohibits new cases related to conversions before the cut-off date.
- Exceptions (Section 5):
- Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.
- Ancient monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
- Disputes settled by mutual agreement before the Act.
- Penalties (Section 6):
- Imposes up to three years of imprisonment and fines for violations.
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Learn about the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, its objectives, key provisions, and current legal challenges. Understand its impact on India’s secular framework and judicial proceedings.
