SC directs DU VC to decide on report on controversial textbook

New Delhi, Sept 19 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University to take a decision on the report of a five-member committee set up to consider the issue of removal of allegedly derogatory references to religious figures in a textbook prescribed for the students of BA (Hons) History first and second years.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices P Sathasivam and J M Panchal also granted liberty to the petitioners Dinanath Batra and others to approach the apex court again if they were not satisfied with the report of the Vice-Chancellor.

Earlier, senior counsel M N Krishnamani appearing for the petioners contended before the court that the book contained offensive references to Lord Hanuman and Sita.

The petioners had approached the Supreme Court against the judgement of Delhi High Court which had dismissed the petition.

The apex court has directed that the Vice-Chancellor should place the report of the committee appointed on the direction of the High Court before the academic council of the university.

The court also permitted the petitioners to make a representation to the Delhi University against the allegedly offensive references.

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