December 6, 2025
Web desk
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S. Oka has said that although the Constitution requires citizens to develop a scientific temper, India still lags behind because political leaders continue to appease religious groups instead of promoting reforms. He noted that those who oppose superstitions are often targeted rather than supported.
Delivering the 16th VM Tarkunde Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, Justice Oka said superstition harms society, fundamental rights, the environment and the education system. He emphasised that rational and scientific voices are frequently portrayed as anti-religion to silence them.
He stated that political parties, irrespective of their ideology, fear confronting religious beliefs and therefore avoid introducing reforms. This reluctance, he said, weakens the constitutional duty to encourage scientific thinking among citizens.
Justice Oka clarified that challenging superstitions does not mean opposing religion. Instead, he said, fighting irrational practices strengthens faith by removing harmful elements. He added that superstition exists in all religions and must not be confused with devotion.
