The apex court directed the Delhi University’s expert panel to consider the views of petitioners before it submits its final report.
Opposing the inclusion of the said chapter on the Ramayana, certain educationists including, Dinanath Batra, opposed the book on the ground that it allegedly gives an interpretation of the epic that is different from the one popularly accepted.
Senior advocate M N Krishnamani who appeared for the petitioners said, “It was a distortion of the Ramayana to hurt religious sentiments of the Hindus who worship the characters in the epic as god and goddesses.”
The bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan expressed reservations in passing any directions at the outset. However, the counsel submitted that a different yardstick is adopted if something relating to other religions causes controversy. “It is because Hindus are tolerant and considerate that anything can be allowed to be published against their faith and religion,” he argued.
The bench, also comprising Justices P Sathasivam and J M Panchal, directed the university’s five-member expert committee to consider the views of petitioners while giving a report to the Vice Chancellor for clearance by the Academic Council. It also gave liberty to petitioners to approach the court again if the report fails to address their concerns.