Mangaluru: Historian Romila Thapar on Wednesday said that there is a need to speak up against political parties who use religion to meet their own ends.

Delivering a talk on Indian society and secularism at BV Kakkilaya Inspired Oration here in the city, she referred to the current political system which is dependent on religious majority to win elections. “Religion is a personal experience. But, it has become a part of the political system which is unacceptable”, she stressed asking people to speak up against it.

Mrs. Thapar further said a fresh civil code which is common to all irrespective of religion should be put in place. “Civil society needs to demand secular laws,” she said and added that the community laws should be scrapped.

All religions should have equal status before the law. The laws should rise above religion and claims of these hurting sentiments are not viable, she added.