Controversy Over Child's Santhara Ritual

Summary of the Article on Santhara Practice and Controversy Related to the Death of a Child

On March 21, 2025, Piyush Jain (35) and his wife Varsha Jain (32) took their three-year-old daughter, Viyana, a brain tumor patient, to Rajesh Muni Maharaj, a Jain monk in Indore. The child, who was in poor health, was allegedly advised by the monk to undergo Santhara—an ancient Jain practice involving fasting unto death. This ritual was initiated approximately at 9:45 p.m., and Viyana passed away shortly thereafter at 10:05 p.m.

The incident gained media traction in May after the Jains received a certificate from the Golden Book of World Records, claiming Viyana was the youngest to undertake Santhara. This led to significant public outcry and legal action, as a social activist named Pranshu Jain filed a petition with the Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 9, 2025, seeking a ban on the practice for children and individuals with mental illness.

Key Points:

• Background: Viyana was diagnosed with a brain tumor three months prior to her death; doctors advised against additional surgery due to her deteriorating condition.
• Santhara Ritual: Involves a vow to relinquish all worldly possessions, and fast until death, supervised by a monk while reciting mantras.
• Legal Proceedings: After media attention, Pranshu Jain's petition included demands for legal action against practitioners of Santhara for vulnerable groups. The Madhya Pradesh High Court is currently handling the case, with the next hearing scheduled for July 8, 2025.
• Civic and Government Response: The HC directed Pranshu to include Viyana's parents in the case, illustrating the complex legal and ethical questions surrounding consent and autonomy in the context of religious practices.

The petition raises ethical concerns about consent, especially with children, and argues that the ritual can be exploited for nefarious purposes, such as escaping familial responsibilities towards ill relatives. Pranshu Jain's lawyer stated that justice for Viyana is the main aim.

Rajesh Muni and his associate defended their actions against claims of misuse of the ritual. They stated that the purpose of Santhara is associated with attaining 'moksha' (salvation) and that the practice should not equate to suicide. Historical precedents, such as a 2007 Rajasthan High Court ruling that deemed the practice illegal, also come into play.

In the past, the Jain community opposed such legal scrutiny, arguing that Santhara is an essential religious observance. The Supreme Court temporarily stayed the Rajasthan High Court's decision after protests from Jain groups asserting that the practice is misunderstood.

The article also notes another recent case involving Chain Singh Surana, aged 81, who died after 15 days of Santhara, again raising questions about the age-appropriateness of such a ritual and the need for a person's consent prior to undertaking the fast, according to other religious leaders.

Jainism emphasizes non-violence and respect for life, creating a moral conflict with the practice of Santhara involving children. Some members of the Jain community have highlighted that consent and comprehension of such rituals must be ensured, especially among minors.

Constitutional Context:

• Article 25: Protects the freedom of individuals to profess and practice their religion.
• Article 21: Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which is argued by some to pertain to decisions regarding the termination of life.

The ongoing case raises fundamental issues about religious freedom, child rights, and the intersections of doctrine and law within Indian society. The implications of this case could be significant for both religious practices and the legal treatment of such traditions in India.

Important Sentences:

• Viyana was diagnosed with a brain tumor and allegedly passed away following the Santhara ritual.
• The Madhya Pradesh High Court is handling a legal petition demanding a ban on the practice for children.
• The case sparked a debate about consent in religious practices involving minors.
• Past court rulings on Santhara highlight tensions between religious freedom and the right to life.
• Community leaders stress the necessity of informed consent before undertaking such significant religious rites.