22 Apr : Today, Dr.Deepak Paintal, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi, accused in the criminal case, moved an application praying for exemption from personal appearance as he was held up because of unavoidable meeting at Delhi before the Hon’ble Court of Sh. Rakesh Kumar, PCS, Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Dera Bassi which was allowed and the next date has been fixed for his personal appearance for 13.5.09. Dr.Deepak Paintal has been summoned under sections 153-A, 295-A, and 298 of Indian Penal Code on the criminal complaint filed by Sh. Anil Bali. The complainant Anil Bali came across a compiled book “Cultural In India: Ancient” being taught in B.A.(Hons.) 2nd year course by the University of Delhi containing objectionable articles ‘Three hundred Ramayans, Five Examples and three thoughts on Translation’ by A.K Ramanujan published by Oxford University. On enquiry by the complainant, it was found that it was a part of controversial book ‘Many Ramayana-the diversity of a narration traditions in South Asia’. The book contains abusive and libelous language used for Divine Hindu Deities by addressing Shri Hanuman as Henchman & “Tiny Monkey’ etc.
The humiliated language is used against the Hindu Deities such as Mata Sita is stated as unfaithful, Rishi Vishwamitra has been described as Man of Fire and Hot Headed Man. The writer has no writing decency and ethics of expression. The book contained defamatory, insulting, blasphemous, volatile and provocative material offending religious faith of Hindus. The complainant is very upset to read irrelevant chapter added for all those who listen to Ramayana that “What Happens When YOU Listen” i.e. all we who listen. The author used absurd quotes in the story and went to the extent of sordid indecency. This is a vicious creation to all those who listen the said Ramayana.
The Hon’ble Magistrate found that prima–facie, a criminal case is made out and the accused i.e. Deepak Paintal, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi is summoned to face the said case.