The murder of the anti-superstition crusader Narendra Dabholkar points to the society’s intolerance of criticism against religious beliefs and practices. The rampant misuse of Section 295A of the Indian penal code, which penalises “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings”, needs to be curbed. Unless space is provided for constructive and rational criticism, social reforms to stamp out regressive and evil practices cannot be undertaken.
