Author: PTI
Publication: The Hindu
Date: May 5, 2004
URL: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200405051702.htm
In an endorsement of HRD Minister
Murli Manohar Joshi's campaign, the Supreme Court today found no fault
with the decision of the University Grants Commission to introduce "Vedic
Astrology" courses in universities and dismissed a petition challenging
it.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice
S Rajendra Babu and Justice G P Mathur dismissed a petition filed by scientist
P M Bargava and others challenging an Andhra Pradesh High Court order dismissing
a similar petition.
The HRD Minister had been a strong
advocate of introduction of astrology as a course at the post-graduation
level and for providing platform to students in astrology to do research.
The Government had contended that
vedic science was part of the Indian culture and heritage and formed an
important part of our ancient science in which India had made substantial
contribution to the world.
The petitioners had questioned the
decision of UGC in according permission to the Universities for starting
the graduate, post-graduate and research courses in "Jyotir Vigyan".
The scientist had contended that
the guidelines issued by UGC were totally irrational, as vedic astrology
could not be held to predict the unforeseen. They had submitted that astrology
did not qualify to be subject of study in the University.
Jyotir Vigyan was introduced in
the curriculum of the universities in the year 2001.
