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Our democracy would benefit by open and free debates on issues concerning society at large. The current arrest by the Tamil Nadu police of a Hindu Pontiff who was allegedly in breach of the law has generated a debate in various forums. It would be appropriate to know the frank opinions of fellow netters regarding the issue whether religious heads should enjoy special privileges or even immunity when they break the law. I personally feel that people in high positions, including religious heads should be more accountable because of the positions of power and influence they hold. If a destitute commits a petty crime to fill his starving stomach and is not spared why should a priest who is accused of the very serious crime of molesting a minor and that too within the precincts of the sacred church, be treated any different? Nobody should be above the law. Kanchi Shankaracharya, the Hindu Pontiff has not been spared by the Tamil Nadu police. Even the Madras High Court refused to grant any concessions and ruled that the police custody for the Shankaracharya was proper. Mind you religious heads are very mighty, powerful and influential. We have seen it in the Ribandar Molestation case with the Parish priest, Fr. Newton Rodrigues getting his cronies and henchmen to plot and do everything possible under the cover of the church to save his skin. Even a web site on Aires Rodrigues was constructed without any foundations. And on Fr. Newton Rodrigues' computer, birth was given to one Maria Rodrigues who keeps popping in once in a way with her e-mails. We all know she does not exist and it is the voice, words and deeds of Fr. Newton Rodrigues camouflaging as Maria Rodrigues. So much for the sanctity and purity of our religious institution. I do not think we become any less holy or religious by speaking out against any irregularities in our religious institutions. We would in fact be strengthening our congregation and the faith that disciplines it. Aires Rodrigues Ribandar
