Allahabad High Court Dismisses Plea Against Ramayana, Veda Workshops In UP Schools

The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging a 5 May 2025 letter issued by the Director of the International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute under the Uttar Pradesh Department of Culture.

It proposed organising a Ramayana and Veda workshop in basic schools across the state.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra passed the order.

The court rejected the PIL filed by Dr Chaturanan Ojha.

Workshops Planned In All 75 Districts

The Director had written to all Basic Education Officers (BEOs) in the state. He proposed conducting Ramayana and Veda workshops during the summer in all 75 districts.

Activities would include Ramlila performances, clay modelling, face decoration, hand props, and mask-making.

Other sessions would focus on Vedic songs and general knowledge. Each workshop would run for 5 to 10 days.

The Director requested BEOs to provide managerial support and assign coordinators.

The workshops aim to instil cultural values in students and promote interest in traditional art forms.

PIL Alleges Religious Bias

Dr Ojha challenged the Director’s letter, calling it discriminatory. He argued that it promoted a particular religion and violated Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution.

He added that such directives in public schools were unconstitutional.

The Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) of the Maharajganj district was named in the petition.

Government counsel Rajiv Kumar Singh opposed the PIL. He said the petitioner filed it with malicious intent.

The court noted that Dr Ojha failed to disclose his credentials. It also questioned how he accessed the letter, since he was from a different district.

The High Court dismissed the PIL, finding no merit in the arguments presented.

Also Read: Supreme Court Criticises Kota Police Over Delay In Filing FIR In NEET Aspirant’s Suicide Case