Allahabad HC Rejects PIL Against Ramayana and Vedic Workshops in UP Schools, Calls Petition 'Malicious'

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the organization of summer workshops on the Ramayana and the Vedas in government schools across Uttar Pradesh.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra ruled that the petitioner failed to comply with the High Court's PIL rules, particularly regarding the disclosure of personal credentials and interest in the matter.

The PIL was filed in response to a May 5, 2025, letter issued by the Director of the International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute in Ayodhya. The letter had requested all Basic Education Officers (BSAs) in the state to permit the "Summer Ramayana" and "Veda Abhiruchi" workshops in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

According to a subsequent directive issued on May 7 by Santosh Kumar Sharma (IAS), Director of the UP Culture Department, these workshops will be held for 5 to 10 days across all districts. The sessions will include Ramayana-based art, music, and general knowledge activities. Schools have been asked to provide logistical support, with the stated objective of fostering "cultural values" and artistic interest among children.

The decision drew sharp criticism from Bhim Army chief and MP Chandrashekhar Azad, who called it a violation of constitutional principles and an attack on social diversity.

Chandrashekhar stated, "This decision is a conspiracy to promote religious polarization in the name of education. The Constitution, framed by Babasaheb Ambedkar, enshrines secularism, equality, and scientific temper. Instead of upholding these values, the Yogi government is turning education into a laboratory of majoritarianism."

He emphasized that Article 28 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits religious instruction in state-funded schools and bars compulsory participation in religious activities. Calling it "the murder of the Constitution," he demanded an explanation from CM Yogi Adityanath, asking, "Isn’t this a conspiracy to impose one religion in the name of education?"

The PIL, filed by Deoria resident Dr. Chaturanand Ojha, was dismissed by the High Court, which deemed the petition "malicious" and noted that the petitioner failed to establish his legal standing.

Ojha, who identified himself as a social activist, had argued that the Ramayana workshop violated Article 51A(h) (duty to develop scientific temper) and promoted caste and gender discrimination. He contended that secularism is a core constitutional value and that religious workshops should not be conducted in schools.

Opposing the PIL, government advocate Rajeev Kumar Singh argued that the program aimed to cultivate children's interest in Indian culture, folk arts, and spirituality. He clarified that participation was voluntary, requiring parental consent, and would help in the "moral and cultural development of students by introducing them to the ideals of Lord Ram."

The court observed, "The petitioner, beyond calling himself a socially conscious citizen, failed to disclose his background and did not comply with PIL rules." It further questioned, "How did a Deoria resident obtain a letter addressed to the Maharajganj District Education Officer?"

The bench also remarked that the petitioner "suppressed his credentials," casting doubt on the petition's bona fides.