SC to hear on July 11 plea alleging attacks on Christian institutions and priests

Supreme Court today decided to take up a petition citing an increase in attacks on Christian institutions and priests nationwide on July 11.

When senior attorney Colin Gonsalves, who was representing the petitioner, requested that the case about violence on Christians and priests be included, Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala, who were sitting on vacation, agreed.

Gonsalves brought up the issue for immediate listing, noting that 57 acts of violence occurred in May, and additional assaults are likely.

“We want to safeguard these institutions. In the case of Poonawala, instructions were given for filing FIRs and stopping additional assaults. The biggest number of violent incidents and attacks on Christian organisations and priests—57—took place in May alone “said Gonsalves.

The petition demanded execution of prior apex court orders to reduce hate crimes as well as directives to cease violence and mob attacks against Christians in several states throughout the nation.

The Tehseen Poonawala judgment’s directives, which called for the appointment of nodal officials to track down hate crimes nationwide and file formal police reports (FIRs), were sought to be put into effect through the lawsuit.

In 2018, the Supreme Court issued a plethora of directives for the federal government and state governments on how to manage and stop the rise in hate crimes, including lynchings and mob violence.

Fast-tracked trials, victim restitution, deterrent punishment, and sanctions against lax law enforcement officers were all part of the recommendations. The highest court has ruled that offences including lynching, cow vigilantism, and hate crimes should be stopped in their tracks.