PANAJI
The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), has taken up the issue of denial of entry of a wheelchair bound person with disability into the Mangueshi Temple at Mangueshi and has demanded that one Kenkre who denied the entry, should be brought to book.
"This is outright discrimination and abuse of physically challenged person which is a criminal offence under Section 92(a) of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016. We also wish to bring to notice that denial of right to worship is a serious offence as right to worship is a fundamental right under the Constitution of India," DRAG president Avelino D'Sa said in his complaint.
"We request you to register a criminal offence against the Mangueshi Temple Committee member Mr Kenkre under the relevant sections of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 and the Indian Penal Code immediately," he added.
One Subhada Keskar from Mumbai had complained that a member of Mangueshi Temple Mardol allegedly did not allow her daughter Sanika who was on her wheelchair due to her physical disability to enter the Temple to worship as wheelchairs were not allowed in the temple as it was considered a vehicle. Kenkre also told the Keskars that they were not invited to the temple.
The temple has since defended its stand saying that they offer assistance to persons with disability by helping them enter the temple and carrying them through, but without the wheelchair.
DRAG has also written to the North and South Goa Collectors and the State Disability Commissioner to direct all heads of religious places of worship to ensure that persons with disability and the elderly are not denied entry into places of worship.
