State attorney: UNC in power when Maha Sabha applied

THE FACT that the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) is involved in promoting the Hindu religion does not entitle it to a radio licence. However, when the organisation applied for the licence, in 1999, the United National Congress was in power, not the present People’s National Movement. These were among the submissions Senior Counsel Russell Martineau made on behalf of the  State made to Justice Carlton Best yesterday. He argued that there was no political bias involved in rejecting the SDMS’s application for the licence. Martineau said it was not true to say that the group was denied the licence on religious or political grounds.

The SDMS, which represents the majority of Hindus in the country, is alleging bias and unequal treatment because it was refused the licence, while Citadel managed by Louis Lee Sing, was granted one which now operates I 95.5 FM. The SDMS applied 17 months before Citadel. In replying to Monday’s legal submissions by Queen’s Counsel Dr Fenton Ramsahoye, Martineau pointed out that the Maha Sabha is a well known and respected organisation, involved in the Hindu religion. “But the fact that it seeks to advance the doctrine of that particular religion does not mean that it (Maha Sabha) is entitled to a declaration which it seeks — that it has a right to a radio licence and that right has been infringed.” Martineau added that the Hindu organisation had not disclosed evidence to suggest they were entitled to a radio licence on religious grounds. Martineau said the Maha Sabha’s application was made on December 1, 1999. By November 2001, he said, there were 27 such applications. The present administration (PNM), took office in December 2001 and between 1999 and 2001, “another political administration (UNC) was there,” he added.