SC, HC JUDGES NOT ON SAME PAGE OVER GITA
Tuesday, 13 January 2015 | Kumar Chellappan | CHENNAI
http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/sc-hc-judges-not-on-same-page-over-gita.html
Hari Paranthaman, a judge of the Madras High Court, has courted controversy by criticising a judge of the Supreme Court for the latter’s remark that Gita and Mahabharata should be taught in schools and colleges.
Paranthaman made his stance known while addressing a meeting convened by Lawyers’ Collective Against Fascism to oppose the Hindu Mahasabha’s move to install the statue of Nathuram Godse in Tamil Nadu.
The judge’s participation in the meeting on Saturday has raised many eyebrows. “The statement by the Supreme Court judge in a public forum was against secularism,” said Justice Paranthaman.
He was referring to Supreme Court judge Anil Dave’s speech at a national conference on contemporary issues and challenges of human rights in the era of globalisation at Ahmedabad in August 2014. “Had I been the dictator of India, I would have introduced Gita and Mahabharata in Class I. That’s the way you learn how to live life. We would never violate any person’s rights if we stick to our ancient scriptures,” Justice Dave had told the conference.
It was this statement by Justice Dave which was referred to by Paranthaman in his speech. Not content with criticising Justice Dave, the Madras High Court judge went one step further and described the demolition of Babri Masjid and the Godhra incident as handiworks of Hindu Talibanism. Justice Paranthaman also charged that communalism was being given a colour of patriotism and this was a dangerous trend.
Radha Rajan, a social activist, took strong exception to the statements by Justice Paranthaman. “In India, freedom of religion includes building temples for Gods and favourite film stars. Justice Paranthaman cannot arrogate to himself the right to decide who is worthy or not worthy of worship,” said Rajan.
As for his observation that those who brought down the Babri Masjid were Hindu Taliban, it bears mention that Taliban is much more than destroyers of monuments and the judge must inform himself better before making obnoxious comparisons, according to Radha Rajan.
Senior advocates frowned at the controversial comments made by Justice Paranthaman and described him a loose cannon.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/sc-hc-judges-not-on-same-page-over-gita.html

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