Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 28: There is likelihood of the committee headed by retired Justice Nagamohan Das that has been vested with the task of studying claims made by Veerashaiva-Lingayat leaders for recognition as separate religion and come out with a report, is likely to submit its report to the government before the assembly election. Earlier, the committee had sought extension of tenure by six months to be able to undertake detailed study of the issue in its entirety.

Members of the committee held second meeting on Saturday January 27. The meeting decided to hear opinions from Lingayat and Veerashaiva leaders, who have sought recogniition to their religion, separately on February 2 and 3.

The meeting was chaired by retired Justice Nagamohan Das. The meeting decided to provide an opportunity for individuals and organizations who have already submitted their petitions both in favour of religious tag and against, to air their views and also to allow them to express their views. At the meeting, the opinion that meetings should be held often and the issue should be settled at the earliest, emerged.

The committee has pooled information already provided by the petitioners by way of documentary evidence. After listening to views on February 2 and 3, the committee is also likely to convene meetings on February 5 and 6. The committee comprising experts is also understood to have expressed itself strongly in favour of preparing a report at the earliest and handing it over to the government.