Coming out in support of astrology, palmistry and vaastu shastra, the Union government on Wednesday told the Bombay high court that these were ancient and “time-tested science'' and there was no reason to ban their practice.
The government's response came in a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on astrology, palmistry, vaastu shastra and action against holymen who claim cure for terminal diseases, reports Times of India.
“A purported ban on practising and promoting astrology and related sciences, which are a time-tested science of more than 4,000 years, is totally misconceived and unjustifiable,'' said Dr D Ramakrsihnan, deputy drugs controller, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), in an affidavit on behalf of the Union government.
The affidavit said the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (DMRA) does not cover astrology or allied “sciences'', such as palmistry and vaastu shashtra.
The law can only be used against misleading advertisements relating to drugs and magic remedies, such as ads of a drug assuring prevention of pregnancy or improving sexual power without any scientific basis, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit also referred to a Supreme Court judgment dismissing a PIL challenging the study of astrology in universities to bolster its support for astrology. The apex court had then held that astrology does not, in any manner, mitigate against the concept of secularism.
In another affidavit, the Maharashtra FDA said no action could be taken by it against holymen offering divine treatments. “Preaching and practising pooja, dhyan, meditation and invoking God's grace with a view to cure people does not warrant our department to take action,'' said H D Salunkhe, joint commissioner, state FDA. The officer added that “homas and havans'' do not attract the provisions of the DMRA.
The PIL filed by a city-based organisation, Janhit Manch, had targeted astrologers, practitioners of vastu, numerology, gemology and faith healers. The PIL had sought criminal action against such people and also a ban on the forecasts on televisions and newspapers. The petition urged the court to make it mandatory for astrologers to place a disclaimer in their advertisements, which read: “It is not tried and tested''.
“The practice and belief in astrology and related theories is devoid of any scientific process and experimentation, based on ludicrous theories of cosmic constellations, gravitation, divination, existing and non-existing solar objects as well as illusionary and imaginary placement of zodiac signs,'' the petition claimed.
Such predictions lead to rumour mongering, cause inconvenience and, many a time, monetary and business losses. The PIL said that all “jyotish-related operators'' should prove their claims, or face a ban for life from practising their remedies.
Bhagwanji Raiyani of the Manch told the court that instead of the FDA, a principal secretary should file an affidavit on behalf of the Union government. The court has scheduled further hearing on June 23 so that all the parties mentioned in the PIL can file their affidavits.
