New Commemorative Issue: 2012: Mata Vaishno Devi

[kansal888]

The PIL said that the Government of India was indulging in anti secular activities by issuing coins with religious symbols such as temples and figures of deity.   

It is understood that Hon'ble Judge asked how the State (India) can have a religious symbol? He also remarked that the State should be completely blind to the religion.

It is further understood that the Learned Judge also remarked that there is NO NEED to issue coins to commemorate any event like 50 years of something or 100 years of something. 

[Figleaf]

There is an interesting parallel in the US, where all coins must carry the legend "IN GOD WE TRUST". There are large religious minorities in the US. They are not the ones complaining about this. The complaints come from people with a political agenda. Meanwhile, most Americans don't mind (or don't even know about) this legend and it's hard to see how it would suddenly induce non-Christians to storm into the nearest church and demand a conversion. Judges also don't seem to mind, although the US does know a separation of church and state - much hated by political extremists.

Peter

[Patney]

When Banknotes of Rs and Rs 100 are issued by the RBI for Muslims going to Haj and the Word HAJ written on the banknotes and even the serial number starts with with HA, then nobody has Problems.

[@josephjk]

I hope it does not get stopped, this is one of the better designs on an India coin. It has a lot of intricate detail....reposting kansalji's image..

[dheer]

When Banknotes of Rs and Rs 100 are issued by the RBI for Muslims going to Haj and the Word HAJ written on the banknotes and even the serial number starts with with HA, then nobody has Problems.

Comparing the Haj & Gulf notes in this context is incorrect. They were issued for a specific purpose to make identification easier for banks in other Gulf countries and were traded at Par. The practise has long been discontinued for various reasons.

The controversy of issuing coins with religious symbols is not just raised by Minority groups. Even Hindu leaders have objected to the "Mata Vaishno Devi" issue. Similarly in past the Sikh community objected to putting in circulation the Gur-Ta-Gaddi coins and hence they were only in Mint Sets.

India is a diverse country and everyone has an opinion. As a coin collector I am happy collecting coins than getting into these debates.

Given the demand for the Temple Proof sets its very clear a vast majority like it. Even with proof mintage figures in excess of 50,000 the prices of these sets are still 50% higher than issue price where as other sets with mintages of around 10,000 are going more or less at issue price in secondary market.

[Pabitra]

Similarly in past the Sikh community objected to putting in circulation the Gur-Ta-Gaddi coins and hence they were only in Mint Sets.

The issue should not be compared with Sikhs objecting to the issue of Gurta gaddi.
All issues related to Sikhs, end up in controversy since some religious groups habitually raise objections.
In India, the issue of coins on Bhagat Singh as well as Kuka Revolt were delayed due to some such objections.

Even in Nepal, the coin on 400th Anniversary was mired in controversy from the date of issue.

[Patney]

                  IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
                               W.P.(C) 1777/2014 and CM 3711/2014

In the Matter of : 
NAFIS QAZI and ANR.                                                           ..... Petitioners
Through: Mr. A..Rasheed Qureshi, Advocate.

                                                Versus

UNION OF INDIA and ANR.                                              ..... Respondents
Through: Mr. Rajeeve Mehra, ASG with Mr. Neeraj Chaudhari, CGSC  and Mr.  Ravjyot Singh, Advocate for UOI.
Mr. H. S. Parihar and Mr. K. S. Parihar, Advocates for RBI.

 
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR JUSTICE BADAR DURREZ AHMED, ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE   HON'BLE MR JUSTICE SIDDHARTH MRIDUL

O R D E R
19.03.2014

This petition pertains to the question of the Government issuing
coins with religious symbols embossed on it. Mr. Rajeeve Mehra, the
learned ASG appearing on behalf of the Union of India, pointed out that  the coins have been issued as commemorative coins as per the provisions  of the Coinage Act, 2011. However, he seeks some time to file a detailed  status report with regard to the issuance of the said coins. The same be   done within three weeks.

Renotify on 23.04.2014

 
BADAR DURREZ AHMED, ACJ

SIDDHARTH MRIDUL, J

[chatsu01]

Hi Guys

Any update on the dates of release for public booking?

Eagerly waiting for this set.

Jay Mata Di.

Cheers.

[dheer]

should be next month ... soon now ...

[chatsu01]

Any update on the writ petition please?

[kansal888]

Dear Chatsu,

The matter is subjudice. The next date of hearing is August 20, 2014

Regards

Sanjay

[devkumar]

any update on writ petition now???

[devkumar]

any news about unc or proof set booking???

[kansal888]

The matter is sub judice.
The booking may not commence till the matter is disposed off by the courts

[Coinsforever]

Any updates ??

What's the fate of this coin .Circulating coins were with many collectors already even gets it in circulation sometimes.

Cheers