HC issues notice to DU Vice-chancellor

The Bench passed the order on a petition filed by academicians and religious leaders seeking court’s direction to delete the objectionable portion of the syllabus for History students in the University.

“In the course revered figures of Hinduism namely Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman have been depicted in bad light. The article in the course uses derogatory, defamatory and offensive language regarding Hindu Gods and Goddesses,” advocate Monica Arora, appearing for the petitioners contended.

“The language is so abusive, perverse and below the accepted standards that it is causing irreparable damage to the impressionable minds of the students studying in BA(Hons) second year History course in the University,” she further said.

The Bench while passing the order, however, observed that there should be tolerance towards divergent views.

“In matter of literature and history a very liberal approach has to be there which accommodates divergent view points,” the Bench said.

The University, however, contended that alleged objectionable articles have been part of the course since 2005 and the petitioners had approached the court now with some other motives.

Advocate Arvind Nigam, appearing for the University also informed the court that a committee of eminent educationists had already been appointed to look into the issue and soon it would submit its report.

“We would also like to know the experts’ view. We would go through the report,” the Bench said while adjourning the matter for May 19.