Today, 27th January, The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on a graveyard dispute involving Christian burial rights, with one judge ruling that the denial of a burial site violated Articles 21 (right to life) and 14 (equality before the law). The case highlighted concerns over religious discrimination in burial practices. However, the bench declined to refer the matter to a larger bench for further deliberation. The ruling underscores the tension between individual religious rights and local government policies.
The Supreme Court criticized the Chhattisgarh government over a Christian man’s plea to bury his pastor father in their village graveyard, as villagers aggressively opposed and police threatened legal action. The pastor’s body has remained in a mortuary since January 7, sparking outrage. The court has sought the state’s response, questioning the inaction and strange orders from lower authorities.
The Chhattisgarh High Court denied a petitioner’s request to conduct his father’s last rites in a local graveyard due to concerns about potential public unrest. The court recommended using a designated Christian burial ground in a nearby village instead, prioritizing public harmony over individual needs. The petition was dismissed accordingly.
The Supreme Court has said that changing religion only to get reservation benefits is a misuse of the Constitution. It stated that such actions go against the purpose of helping disadvantaged groups through reservations. The ruling aims to protect the true intention of these constitutional provisions. This judgment sends a strong message to prevent the misuse of reservation benefits.
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The Supreme Court granted interim bail Today to Rajendra Bihari Lal, Vice Chancellor of SHUATS, in a case involving alleged illegal religious conversion. The Court issued notice to the UP government, challenging the Allahabad High Court’s decision. The bail bond was limited to Rs 25,000. The police had accused Lal and others of leading a mass religious conversion with foreign funding.