<p>The High Court is currently hearing a PIL, which seeks a ban on practice of astrology, vastu-shastra etc. It also seeks action against advertisements of astrologers under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.<br /><br />However, in an affidavit filed in reply to the PIL, Dr R Ramkrishna, Deputy Drugs Controller, Government of India, says that "ban on astrology and related sciences sought by the petitioner, which is a time-tested science more than 4,000 years old, is totally misconceived and unjustifiable".<br /><br />The affidavit relies on Supreme Court's judgement which had held that introduction of a course in astrology did not militate against the concept of secularism enshrined in the Constitution.<br /><br />Further, the affidavit states, that Drugs and Magic Remedies Act does not cover astrology and related disciplines.<br /><br />The Act can be used only against misleading advertisements relating to drugs and magic remedies, such as an advertisement of a drug assuring prevention of pregnancy, or improvement of sexual power, etc without any scientific basis, according to the affidavit. <br /><br />Petitioner Bhagwanji Rayani has made several well-known practitioners of astrology and vastu-shastra a party to the petition.<br />It includes famous astrologer Bejan Daruwala too.<br />However, the High Court adjourned the hearing today till June 23, as several of them have not yet filed their replies.</p>
<p>The High Court is currently hearing a PIL, which seeks a ban on practice of astrology, vastu-shastra etc. It also seeks action against advertisements of astrologers under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.<br /><br />However, in an affidavit filed in reply to the PIL, Dr R Ramkrishna, Deputy Drugs Controller, Government of India, says that "ban on astrology and related sciences sought by the petitioner, which is a time-tested science more than 4,000 years old, is totally misconceived and unjustifiable".<br /><br />The affidavit relies on Supreme Court's judgement which had held that introduction of a course in astrology did not militate against the concept of secularism enshrined in the Constitution.<br /><br />Further, the affidavit states, that Drugs and Magic Remedies Act does not cover astrology and related disciplines.<br /><br />The Act can be used only against misleading advertisements relating to drugs and magic remedies, such as an advertisement of a drug assuring prevention of pregnancy, or improvement of sexual power, etc without any scientific basis, according to the affidavit. <br /><br />Petitioner Bhagwanji Rayani has made several well-known practitioners of astrology and vastu-shastra a party to the petition.<br />It includes famous astrologer Bejan Daruwala too.<br />However, the High Court adjourned the hearing today till June 23, as several of them have not yet filed their replies.</p>
