A day after the Indian Parliament expressed concern over move by a Siberian Court to ban the Russian version of the Indian Bhagavad Gita, Russian Ambassador in India Mr Alexander Kadakin today condemned in strongest terms the efforts of those who have approached court seeking a ban on the Indian sacred scripture.

Calling the persons who approached the court ‘madmen’, the diplomat said that Russia is a secular country where all religions enjoyed equal respect.

“Like the Bible, the Holy Quran, Torah and Avesta, the Bhagvad Gita is also the great source of wisdom for the people of India and the world. I consider it categorically inadmissible taking the holy scripture to courts,” he said denouncing the efforts of those seeking a ban on the sacred text of the Hindus.

He said the examination of such religious books should not be done by ignorant people. Such books should be examined by the forums of scientists and congresses but not by courts. “I feel
sad indeed that such madmen are also there in the lovely city of Tomsk,” he said.

As a last resort, the Hindus in Moscow appealed to the court to seek the opinion of the Russian human rights paenl before giving its decision. The court will now deliver its verdict on the issue after the human rights’ panel gives its opinion. (JUBS)