Supreme Court To Hear Plea To Stop Attacks Against Christians On July 11

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to list on July 11 a petition which seeks directions to stop the attack against Christian community and their institutions in the country.

Senior Advocate Dr Colin Gonsalves mentioned the petition before a vacation bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala for urgent listing saying that the attacks against Christian institutions are on the rise in the country. He submitted that in the month of May, 57 cases of violence were reported, the highest in a month so far, and more such attacks are apprehended.

"When the Court was closed for vacation, the highest number of attacks took place. We anticipate more", Gonsalves submitted.

"What you are saying is unfortunate, if it is happening everyday. What we can ensure is that your matter is listed on the re-opening day itself", Justice Surya Kant submitted.

Gonsalves submitted that he was trying to get a listing so that notice can be issued to the respondents. He submitted that though the matter was directed to be placed on board, it has not been listed so far.

"We can't comment on the merits. We can ensure that the matter is listed on re-opening", Justice Kant said.

Archbishop Of Bangalore Diocese Dr. Peter Machado along with the National Solidarity Forum, the Evangelical Fellowship of India are the petitioners.

On April 26, when urgent listing of the petition was sought, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana commented, "No date, there's no urgency. Inspite of that, we marked the bench. Nothing will happen, heavens don't fall".

According to the petitioners, they have filed the present PIL against the "sinister phenomena of violence" and "targeted hate speech" against the Christian community of the country by vigilante groups and members of right-wing organizations. It is the petitioners' case that such violence has been rising owing to the failure of the State machinery to protect its own citizens.

The petitioners have argued that there is failure by the Central and State Governments and other State machineries in taking immediate and necessary actions against groups that have caused widespread violence and hate speech against the Christian community including attacks at their places of worship and other institutions run by them.