by Sanjay Saxena
Lucknow: The name Arya Samaj temple evokes the image of a religious institution, but this is no longer the case. The temple, once considered sacred, has now caught the attention of some disruptive elements. Fake documents are now being prepared here in the name of marriage. The Allahabad High Court has taken cognizance of this entire matter. The court has questioned whether the Arya Samaj temples operating fraudulently in Uttar Pradesh are turning into hubs where Hindu girls are being deceived into marriages.
It is concerning that Arya Samaj temples are becoming a significant threat to Hindu girls. Apart from creating fake marriage documents, these so-called Arya Samaj temples have been found involved in sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and bonded labor conspiracies. However, it has never been investigated who is behind these so-called temples and what schemes are in place.
Now, the matter has reached the Allahabad High Court. The court has ordered a thorough investigation of the institutions operating under the name Arya Samaj in Prayagraj. The court has directed the police commissioner to find out the name and location of the institutions conducting marriages. Detailed information about the presidents, secretaries, and priests who conduct these marriages should be collected. It should also be investigated who helps these institutions in creating fake documents for runaway couples, and who provides protection to these boys and girls. The court also directed the authorities to gather details of the financial transactions of these institutions. Information about the fees (dakshina) taken by these institutions for performing marriages should also be obtained.
This order was issued by Justice Vinod Diwakar after hearing the arguments of Additional Permanent Advocate OP Singh on 42 petitions, including that of petitioner Mansi and others. The court asked the police commissioner to submit a report in a sealed envelope on the next hearing date, September 25. The police commissioner can also appear via video conferencing. The petitioners claim that they have married against their family’s wishes and are adults. They fear for their lives and are requesting security.
Petitioner Mansi presented a marriage certificate from an Arya Samaj institution operating in Civil Lines, which claims to be registered and associated with Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Lucknow. The court noted that all such institutions claim to be registered and affiliated with Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Lucknow.
When the police verified the certificates issued by these institutions, they found that the marriages violated the provisions of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act. The documents, especially the Aadhaar cards, were found to be fake. The affidavits were also forged, and the names and addresses of the petitioners were incorrect. Marriage registration officers were registering these marriages based on these fake documents. The court stated that such marriages promote human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and bonded labor. Due to social insecurity, minor girls fall prey to emotional and psychological trauma. The court has asked the police commissioner to personally oversee the investigation.
