In 1652, William Jenkyn said in a sermon that blood is thicker than water, emphasizing the strength of familial relationships. Today, this statement is considered a proverb with a broader meaning that communities with similar backgrounds are more harmonious than those with diverse backgrounds.
The world is divided into over 200 nations, many of which are based on religion, including 57 Islamic countries. Despite this fundamentalism, most countries do not object to such divisions. Even liberal, democratic, and communist countries do not show concern towards nations that promote communal violence. Some countries even support these societies for their wealth or unity in faith.
Having an official State religion can promote homogeneity and equity among the majority of people in a country. It is not unreasonable for a State to have allegiance to a particular religion. The principles of democracy in the Constitution of India support this idea. The partition of India in 1947, creating Pakistan, was based on religion and had the support of 95% of Muslims living in India at the time.
Despite the passage of over seven decades since the partition, tensions between Hindus and Muslims continue to rise. While there are some who support coexistence, there is a clear division on this issue. Recently, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, made disrespectful remarks towards Hindus, showing contempt for the Hindu religion.
On July 1, 2024, three laws that had been in place for over 150 years were replaced by new laws with an Indian flavor. The Indian Penal Code was replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Code of Criminal Procedure was replaced by the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Indian Evidence Act was replaced by the Bharatiya Saksha Adhiniyam.
A group of 157 advocates wrote a letter to the Supreme Court of India offering unsolicited advice on judicial matters. This act was seen as interference in the administration of justice and should have been addressed to the Law Commission of India or the Ministry of Law instead.
In a recent judgment, the Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasized a liberal approach towards first-time offenders of minor crimes. The court urged trial courts to consider alternatives to jail time for these offenders, highlighting the importance of reformation under the Probation of Offenders Act.
