Treat GITA as Rashtriya Dharma Shastra
Allahabad High Court
Hindustan Times 11/9/2007
The Allahabad High Court has expressed the view that it is the duty of the State to recognise the Bhagwad Gita as the Rashtriya Dharma Shastra, which inspired our national struggle for freedom and also all walks of life.
"As India has recognised national flag, national bird, national anthem and national flower, the Bhagwad Gita may also be considered as the Rashtriya Dharma Shastra."
"It is the duty of every citizen of India under Article 51A of the Constitution of India irrespective of caste, creed or religion to follow the 'dharma' propounded by the Bhagwad Gita," the High Court observed.
The view was expressed by Justice S.N. Srivastava while deciding on a write petition filed by priest Shyamal Ranjan Mukherjee of the Gopal Thakur Mandir of Varanasi, challenging the sale of temple properties.
The court also directed the state government, not to permit alienation of any property attached to any temple and other religious institutions (mutts, temples, specified endowments and samadhis) without prior permission of the district judge concerned.