Religious Content Respect and Sensitivity Guidelines

Module: Utsav Mandirs™ (Religious Listings)
Document Type: Hybrid — Plain English + Legal Reinforcement
Trademark: Utsav Mandirs™ is a trademark of MyMahotsav Futuretech Ltd
Effective Date: 24th February 2026
Version: 1.0

Part A: Plain English Summary #

Respecting Religious Sensitivities #

Utsav Mandirs™ hosts content about diverse religious traditions. This document provides guidelines for creating content that respects all faiths while accurately representing your own.

The Simple Truth #

• All faiths deserve respect: Your right to practice your faith does not include the right to denigrate others.

• Accuracy matters: Misrepresenting other traditions harms community relations.

• Sensitive topics require care: Some subjects (conversion, exclusivity) need thoughtful handling.

• We’ll make tough calls: Content that crosses the line into hate speech will be removed.

• Context is considered: We consider artistic, educational, and scholarly context.

Part B: Legal Terms and Conditions #

1. Guiding Principles #

1.1 Utsav Mandirs™ is committed to:

• Respecting all religious traditions

• Promoting interfaith understanding

• Allowing authentic expression of faith

• Preventing hate speech and incitement

1.2 Content should reflect these principles.

2. Prohibited Religious Content #

2.1 The following content is strictly prohibited:

2.2 Content that insults or attacks religious beliefs may violate: #

• Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (India)

• Religious hatred laws (UK Public Order Act)

• Blasphemy laws (where applicable)

3. Discussing Other Faiths #

3.1 If your content discusses other faiths:

• Represent them accurately

• Avoid stereotypes

• Do not claim to speak for other traditions

• Use respectful language

• Acknowledge diversity within traditions

3.2 Comparative religious discussions are permitted when conducted respectfully.

4. Claims of Exclusivity #

4.1 Religions may make claims about their own truth. This is permitted when:

• Stated as belief, not fact

• Not accompanied by denigration of others

• Not used to incite hatred

4.2 Prohibited: “Only we are saved; all others are damned” (if presented in a way that attacks others).

4.3 Permitted: “We believe our path leads to salvation” (statement of belief).

5. Sacred Texts and Figures #

5.1 Content about sacred texts and figures should:

• Use respectful language

• Not distort meanings for malicious purposes

• Provide context when quoting

5.2 Scholarly Criticism: Academic or scholarly criticism of religious texts is permitted when:

• Conducted in good faith

• Based on scholarly methods

• Not intended to harass believers

6. Conversion and Proselytizing #

6.1 Content inviting people to learn about a faith is permitted.

6.2 Prohibited:

• Targeting vulnerable individuals

• False claims about other faiths to induce conversion

• Offering material inducements for conversion

• Harassing individuals about conversion

7. Imagery and Symbols #

7.1 Use of religious imagery and symbols should:

• Be respectful

• Not distort sacred symbols

• Not use symbols in degrading contexts

7.2 Some symbols have special sacred status and should be used with particular care.

8. Reporting Violations #

8.1 Users may report content they believe violates these guidelines.

8.2 Reported content will be reviewed by moderators with appropriate religious literacy.

8.3 Where possible, we consult with religious advisors on sensitive cases.

9. Context Matters #

9.1 We consider context when evaluating content:

• Is it educational/scholarly?

• Is it artistic expression?

• Is it reporting on religious practices?

• Is it clearly labeled as opinion?

9.2 Content that might otherwise be prohibited may be permitted in appropriate contexts with clear labeling.

10. Appeals #

10.1 Content creators may appeal removal decisions.

10.2 Appeals involving religious content may be reviewed by:

• Platform moderation team

• Religious literacy advisors

• Legal team (where applicable)

Part C: Jurisdiction-Specific Addendums #

India Addendum #

Section 295A IPC: Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging religious feelings, insults or attempts to insult the religion or religious beliefs of any class of citizens, shall be punished.

UK Addendum #

Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006: Prohibits threatening words or behavior intended to stir up religious hatred.

EU Addendum #

Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia: Requires criminalization of public incitement to violence or hatred directed against a group of persons defined by religion.

US Addendum #

First Amendment: Protects religious speech, including criticism of religion. However, true threats and incitement to violence are not protected.