The Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe recently held that compelling school children to recite religious words in national pledge and to salute the national flag is unconstitutional.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CASE
• The Education Minister had rolled a pledge which was to be recited in school assemblies everyday by all students.
• The pledge contained the phrase “God Almighty, in whose hands my future lies…”.
• It was alleged by the Petitioner, father of one of the students, that reciting of this pledge is against their religious beliefs and a violation of their fundamental right.
• As per the religious belief, alleged the Petitioner, the follower should not salute any object which supported secularism.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CASE
• The case was heard by a nine-judge’s bench of the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe.
• The Court unanimously held that the recital of this pledge indeed violated the fundamental right of the Petitioner.
• The Court also observed that compelling school children to recite religious words in national pledge and to salute the national flag is unconstitutional.
WHAT WAS THE PLEDGE?
• “Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies: I salute the national flag United in our diversity By our common desire For freedom, justice and equality Respecting the brave fathers and mothers who lost lives in the Chimurenga/Umvukela. We are proud inheritors of the richness of our national resources We are proud creators and participants in our vibrant traditions and cultures I commit to honesty and dignity of hard work”.
• The initial phrase “Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies…”, was said to be in violation of fundamental right.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW!
Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!"
