Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, May 27: At the request of the lawyer representing Christian organizations, Justice B K Somashekhar Commission of Inquiry, constituted to inquire into the attacks on churches, adjourned the cross examination of the former state convenor of Bajrang Dal, Mahendra Kumar.

Rupert Rosario, advocate representing the Christian organizations, pleaded with the Commission for granting more time, as several lawyers from Mangalore and Chickmagalur are expected to arrive to cross examine Mahendra Kumar. In his depositions so far, Mahendra Kumar has put forth the opinion that forcible religious conversions have been taking place in the state, citing some evidences and cases.

At the same time, the examination of Paravastu Sooryanarayan Rao, author of the original 'Satyadarshini', a resident of Andhra Pradesh, was adjourned to June 22, as he failed to appear before the Commission. In a petition moved before the Commission, Rao had said, he was unable to attend the inquiry as his life faces threat from the BJP government, politicians, police and Hindu communalists. The police department, government and lawyer representing the Hindu organizations strongly opposed the reasons put forth by Rao. The Commission asked them to file separate objections and ordered the government to provide adequate protection to Rao.

Demands are being made to the commission, to ban public distribution of the book, 'Satyadarshini,' which is said to contain derogatory statements about Hindus and several other such works, as they can pose grave danger to religious harmony. Some lawyers argued that the Commission does not have the right to ban these books, but it can issue an order, banning the details of the ongoing hearing before the commission on these books, from being made public.

While Satish Chandra, lawyer for the Hindu organizations wanted copies of  the book, 'Satyadarshini' to be made available to note the points and affectively take part in the hearing, lawyer for the pro-Christian organization requested the Commission that no order be issued on this request till further hearing.