Democracy meant to curb the dominance of power and vested interests is now in the doldrums due to the potent mix of religion and politics. The Supreme Court has rightly ruled that no religion encourages activity that creates pollution affecting the fundamental right of health of citizens. In the case of Delhi, Diwali festival was used to senselessly burst firecrackers despite a ban. In Goa too, despite High Court orders we have heard crackers burst even after midnight on Diwali days with no consideration for senior citizens, the sick and children. The dogs were in panic and many pets ran away causing consternation to the owners, caretakers. Encroaching on fundamental rights also occurs in the right to practice and preach one's own religion and freedom of speech under many guises. Unprincipled politics not only here but worldwide has led to the devastating wars now of Ukraine and Palestine leading to millions of displaced people, deaths, maimed people and starving miseries and beautiful cities being reduced to rubble.The war machine and materialism has triumphed over spiritualism and religion.
