Judge's statement on Bhagvad Gita sparks debate

New Delhi: A statement made by a judge in the Allahabad High Court has sparked a controversy.

Justice S N Srivastava observed that the Bhagvad Gita should be made the National Dharma Shastra of the country.

Justice Srivastava had made the observation on August 30, while hearing a case filed by Shyamal Ranjan Mukherji, a priest at the Gopal Thakur Mandir in Varanasi.

The judge said that under Article 51-A of the Constitution it’s the duty of every citizen to follow the principles propounded by the Gita.

Justice Srivastava had caused a flutter earlier this year, when he ruled that Muslim run educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh are not entitled to benefits enjoyed by minority institutions.

The order was, however, stayed the very next day by a division bench of the High Court.

Justice Srivastava had retired on September 4, five days after passing the latest order.

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