Challenge Over Hindus-Only Hot Spring

July 9, 2007

Author: Amarnath Tewary

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6276390.stm

"Entry of Muslims is prohibited by the order of the Patna High Court."

That is the sign that greets bathers wishing to wash in the waters of a hot spring in the town of Rajgir in the Indian state of Bihar.

It is a law that dates right back to the days of the British Raj.

And now state lawmakers want the country's Supreme Court to review the law.

The story began in 1929 when a case was lodged in a local court over whether non-Hindus had the right to enter the spring complex.

Three years on, in July 1932, the court ruled in the favour of the Hindus.