The Allahabad High Court's observations that Bhagvad Gita should be made the national 'dharma shastra' on Tuesday evoked strong reactions from Government.
NEW DELHI: Justice Shambhu Nath Srivastava’s observations during pronouncement of an order on August 30 have ruffled quite a few feathers.
Allahabad High Court's Justice Srivastava, who retired on September 3, had observed that the 745-verse Hindu religious scripture Bhagvad Gita be declared the national scripture.
Ironically, Justice Srivastava misconstrued a Supreme Court judgment by a seven-judge bench that observed that “it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired our national struggle for freedom”.
The retired judge, however, explained it by observing that “Hinduism was always governed by one Dharma and all beliefs or thoughts (religions) are within the fold of Hinduism. As our national struggle for freedom was inspired by the Gita, this court is of the view that the Gita is the dharma shastra of India”.
Former Chief Justice VN Khare, who also belongs to Allahabad, said: “Religion is our personal view. A judge’s job is to decide. This is a personal view that is being imposed upon people.”
In Lucknow, Maulana Khalid Rashid, who is the member of the Muslim Personal Law Board, said: "We are shocked. I will ask the board to move the Supreme Court against this order."
Senior advocate Zafaryab Jilani, who is also a member of the board and convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee, said: “How can a judge even imagine a situation where a religious book of one faith can be imposed on people who follow different religions. It is unimaginable in a country like India.”
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