HC issues notices for alleged derogatory remarks against Gods

New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today issued notices to Vice-Chancellor of the Delhi University and Academic Council of Delhi on a petition filed by an NGO 'Shikhsha Bachao Andolan', seeking quashing of the alleged derogatory remarks against Hindu Gods.

A bench comprising Justices Manmohan Sarin and Manmohan issued the notices to both the parties and directed them to reply by May 19.

A Public Interest Petition (PIL) was filed by one Dina Nath Batra, convenor of the 'Shiksha Bachao Andolan', seeking quashing of the alleged derogatory remarks against the Hindu Gods in the history book being used in the B A Hons II year course of the Delhi University.

The book, ''Culture in India - Ancient'' written by Dr A K Ramanuja and compiled by Dr Upinder Singh, daughter of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has many paragraphs which are offensive, derogatory and defamatory, therefore attract offences under various sections of the IPC, the petitioner said.

Counsel for the petitioner, Monica Arora told the court that some of the remarks were so offensive and shameful that the same cannot be reproduced in the court.

Urging the court to get the remarks removed immediately, she said it should intervene and order an inquiry into the issue.

She also urged the court that the VC should be made to tender an apology to all the Hindus staying in India and abroad for hurting their sentiments.

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