A division bench of Chief Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Ashutosh Shastri has issued the notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Jamiat Ulama-E-Hind (JUEH) challenging the education department's resolution on introducing the Bhagavad Gita in schools as prayers and through activities like recitation of shlokas etc from this educational year.
Gujarat HC issues notice to state government on introducing Bhagavad Gita in schools
The Gujarat High Court has issued a notice to the state government on a petition challenging a resolution to introduce the Bhagavad Gita in schools as a prayer program and verse recitation among other activities. The High Court has declined to stay the resolution and asked the state government to respond by August 18.
A division bench of Chief Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Ashutosh Shastri has issued the notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Jamiat Ulama-E-Hind (JUEH) challenging the education department's resolution on introducing the Bhagavad Gita in schools as prayers and through activities like recitation of shlokas etc from this educational year.
The JUEH challenged the resolution on the grounds of Constitutional validity and claimed it was in contravention of the National Education Policy (NEP). The bench also directed the petitioner's counsel to serve a copy of the PIL on the Assistant Solicitor General as the Central government has also been made a respondent, as reported by NDTV.
In March, the Gujarat Education Minister announced the decision to introduce the Gita in schools in the state. Appearing for JUEH, lawyer Mihir Joshi said "values and principles of Indian culture and the system of knowledge can certainly be prescribed in the school curriculum, but the question is whether it should be done by giving primacy to the values and principles of the holy book of only one religion."
He further argued that if one holy book can be prescribed in this manner. "Indian culture comprises a vast array of what it comprises. The submission before the court is that there is no question of giving primacy to the religious book of one religion for stating that the values and principles as prescribed in that book alone shall be taught," he said.
He argued that "the principles underlying the NEP to guide both the educational system at large and individual institutions are ethics, human and constitutional values and pluralism, respect for diversity, pride in India's rich and diverse ancient and modern culture and knowledge systems and traditions".
"Articles 25 and 28 of the Constitution provide for the freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion, and directives that no religious instructions shall be provided in a state-run educational institution," he further added
"The state education department's resolution issued a directive to include Indian culture and Indian knowledge system from 2022-23 by including the value and principles of Srimad Bhagavad Gita in class 6-12 in such a matter that the children understand and take an interest," Joshi said.
Read More:
Follow Shiksha.com for latest education news in detail on Exam Results, Dates, Admit Cards, & Schedules, Colleges & Universities news related to Admissions & Courses, Board exams, Scholarships, Careers, Education Events, New education policies & Regulations.
To get in touch with Shiksha news team, please write to us at news@shiksha.com
"The pen is mightier than the sword". Anupama totally believes in this and respects what she conveys through it. She is a vivid writer, who loves to write about education, lifestyle, and governance. She is a hardcor... Read Full Bio