The Supreme Court in New Delhi has taken the stand that Ramar Sethu is not an important part of the Hindu religion. Using the Sethusamudram case, the court's argument has "no basis in fact or law," said the Janata Party president Subramanaian Swamy.

Dr. Swamy also said, "Petitioners have not proved that Ramar Sethu is an integral or essential part of the Hindu religion to attract Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution." This court interpretation is based on "dubious unauthoritative translations" of Hindu texts without sourcing the information to any credible religious scholar, said Dr. Swamy.

An interpretation must be based on a scholarly, unimpeachable translation from the texts original text, which was in the Sanskrit language. Dr Swamy said, "It is irrelevant to adduce this argument even if this interpretation of counsel is base on one of the sources quoted by one of the petitioners."

India's Supreme Court has decided to reserve the verdict in this case yet stands behind its decision.

04 November 2008