Bhagvad Gita teaching: Notice to State, Centre

The High Court on Thursday issued notices to the Union and State Governments on a State Government circular on teaching Bhagavad Gita in primary and secondary schools across the state.Justice Abdul Nazeer ordered issue of notices after hearing a petition filed by Karnataka State Minorities Educational Institutions Managements Federation, challenging the June 6, 2011 circular. The court posted the petition for further hearing to July 21.The Karnataka State Minorities Educational Institutions Managements Federation has filed a petition against the circular dated June 6 that proposes the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita to primary and secondary school children daily for one hour. The petitioner submitted that the circular is contrary to the right guaranteed to minority institutions as per the provisions of the constitution of India. The petitioner contended that it violates Section 7(g) 3 of Karnataka Education Act which upholds unity, sovereignty and integrity of the nation and that the government cannot force the educational institutions to teach the Bhagavad Gita. The petitioner also stated that the circular goes against the Constitution and also affects the religious beliefs and the sentiments of the minority communities.