ORDER :

1. The petitioner Athiest Society of India, Nalgonda District Branch, prays for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent-Government of Andhra Pradesh, to instruct all the concerned Heads of Departments to prohibit the practice of religious performance of worship at the State functions, such as, during the laying of foundation stones for large and small projects and inauguration of State buildings or Institutions and exhibiting religious symbols, like photos or Idols in the State Offices or its subordinate offices.

2. The deponent of the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition claims to be the Secretary of the Athiest Society of India, Nalgonda District Branch. The grievance of the petitioner is that the respondent is not following the secular objectives of the State, as enshrined in the Constitution of India and is practically encouraging religious sentiments by permitting performance of rituals, such as, breaking of coconuts, performing poojas and chanting of Mantras or Sutras of different religions at the time of laying foundations and inauguration of small and large Projects and State buildings and Institutions. It is further averred that public bod