Nagpur, April 6 | Expressing anguish over the move to recite “Hanuman Chalisa” at an AIDS awareness programme, the Bombay High Court has asked the BJP-ruled Nagpur Municipal Corporation if, according to it, “India is for Hindus only”.

The Nagpur Bench, while hearing a PIL, expressed strong reservations over the plan to recite “Hanuman Chalisa” at its AIDS awareness event, in association with Poddareshwar Ram Mandir Trust, here tomorrow.

“Why only recital of Hanuman Chalisa and why not from Quran, the Bible or other religious literature? What is the nexus of AIDS awareness and Hanuman Chalisa recital? Is it only Hindus who contract AIDS? Is chanting of Hanuman Chalisa the only remedy for eradication of this deadly disease?” a Division Bench said.

“If people can come for this event, they will also come for the recitation of the Quran and Bible,” they observed.

The Judges disposed of the PIL after both the NMC and event convener agreed to disassociate with the two events.

They asked for an hour’s gap between the AIDS awareness event and the  recitation, which over 1.5 lakh people are expected to attend. — PTI