SINGH LEGAL FOUNDATION, CHANDIGARH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is a petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India with the following substantive prayer :-

(2.) THE petitioner has made the above prayer in the context of the following facts :- The Government of France promulgated French Law No. 2004-228 on 15.3.2004 prohibiting use of conspicuous religious symbols in government funded schools and also issued a circular dated 6.12.2005 disabling the wearing of turbans while being photographed for issuance of a driving licence.

(3.) IN response to the writ petition, a return has been filed by the Union of India explaining that the aforementioned law has been framed by the Government of France on the 'principle of Laicite' (i.e. secularism-implying separation of State from religion). It was not aimed at any particular community and was applied to every group of religion living in that country. The Government of France promulgated this legislation after considerable debate.