In a landmark decision, the Modi government has rescinded a 58-year-old memorandum that prohibited government employees from participating in activities associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This prohibition, initially imposed in November 1966 during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure, was officially lifted on July 9, 2024.
The 1966 RSS Ban: A Political Move
The 1966 ban was a politically motivated decision by the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government. The memorandum, issued on November 30, 1966, equated participation in RSS activities with potential violations of the Central Civil Services Conduct Rules, thus making government employees liable for disciplinary action. This move came on the heels of the RSS-backed Cow Protection Movement, during which violent crackdowns on protesters resulted in significant casualties.
Congress Leader’s Reaction
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to social media platform to justify the 1966 ban, emphasising its historical context and the supposed decline in BJP’s relationship with the Sangh. He argued that the RSS had never flown the national flag in Nagpur and that the ban was a necessary measure to ensure governmental neutrality and integrity. Ramesh suggested that the recent lifting of the ban was a reaction to deteriorating relations between the Modi government and the Sangh.
Historical Persecution of RSS by Congress
The Sangh has faced multiple bans throughout its history, primarily under Congress-led governments. The first ban came in 1948 following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, despite the lack of substantiated evidence against the RSS. The organization faced another ban during the Emergency period (1975-1977) imposed by Indira Gandhi, as part of a broader suppression of dissent. The Narasimha Rao government also banned the RSS after the demolition of the Babri structure in 1992.
Targeting of Government Employees Associated with RSS
For decades, government employees with ties to the RSS faced significant persecution. An article published by the RSS-backed newspaper Organiser in 2000 detailed various instances of harassment, including job terminations and disqualifications from government service. Notable cases include:
- Shri Ram Shankar Raghuvanshi: A school teacher whose services were terminated after it was revealed that he participated in RSS activities. Although the High Court ruled in his favor, the Madhya Pradesh government appealed to the Supreme Court, which ultimately dismissed the appeal.
- Ranganathacharya Agnihotri: Selected for a judicial position but barred from joining due to his past association with the RSS. The High Court of Mysore ruled that his affiliation with the RSS was irrelevant to his suitability for the job.
- Chinta Mani: A sub-postmaster in Nagpur who was dismissed for attending RSS events. The High Court noted that being an RSS member did not constitute a valid reason for termination.
State-Level Bans and Their Reversal
Various state governments, particularly under Congress leadership, also imposed bans on state employees’ participation in Sangh activities. For instance, in 2000, Madhya Pradesh CM Digvijay Singh banned state employees from joining the RSS. This ban was lifted in 2006 by the BJP-led government. Similar bans in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh were also reversed by subsequent BJP administrations.
A Step Towards Corrective Justice
The Modi government’s decision to lift the 1966 ban is seen as a corrective measure that acknowledges the RSS’s contributions to nation-building and community service. This move respects the democratic right to free association and recognizes the role of diverse organizations in India’s socio-political landscape.
By rescinding this outdated memorandum, the Modi government has not only rectified a long-standing injustice but also reaffirmed the principles of freedom of association and expression for government employees.