THE CONTEXT: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released its 2024 annual report, which the Indian government has strongly criticized. The report recommends that the U.S. State Department designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to severe violations of religious freedom.
THE ISSUES:
- Expropriation and Demolition of Places of Worship: The report claims that Indian authorities have facilitated the takeover of places of worship, such as constructing Hindu temples on sites previously occupied by mosques. It highlights incidents following the Ayodhya temple’s consecration in January 2024, where violence against religious minorities occurred following Hindu nationalist processions through predominantly Muslim neighbourhoods.
- Use of Discriminatory Legislation: The report details changes in India’s legal framework, including the strengthening of state-level anti-conversion and anti-terrorism laws and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill in Uttarakhand. These measures are seen as targeting and disenfranchising religious minorities.
- Targeting Religious Minorities: Authorities have allegedly used state-level policies to target religious minorities, with reports of Christians being arrested for alleged forced conversions. Vigilante groups reportedly exploit anti-cow slaughter laws to target Muslims, Christians, and Dalits, with perpetrators often operating with impunity.
- Hate Speech and Discriminatory Rhetoric: The report notes that political officials used hate speech and discriminatory rhetoric against Muslims, particularly in the lead-up to the June 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Modi is reported to have perpetuated stereotypes about Muslims, referring to them as “infiltrators.”
- Violence Against Religious Minorities: From January to March 2024, there were 161 reported incidents of violence against Christians, including attacks on churches and prayer meetings, physical assaults, harassment, and false allegations of forced conversion.
- Crackdown on Civil Society Organizations: The report states that authorities have used India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to obstruct civil society organizations’ work, with several Christian NGOs cancelling their licenses.
THE WAY FORWARD:
Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Enforcement
- Implementation of Anti-Discrimination Laws: India has several constitutional provisions and laws to prevent discrimination based on religion. Strengthening the enforcement of these laws, such as Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Indian Constitution, can help protect religious minorities. Ensuring that anti-conversion laws are not misused to target specific communities is crucial.
- Judicial Oversight: Establish fast-tracked courts and special judicial oversight to handle cases of religious discrimination and violence swiftly. This can be modeled after guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in cases like Tehseen Poonawalla vs Union of India, which emphasized the need for fast-tracked trials and victim compensation.
Addressing Hate Speech and Misinformation
- Specific Legislation for Hate Speech: Introduce provisions in the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita to criminalize hate speech more effectively, as various committees like the K. Viswanathan Committee recommended. This includes setting up mechanisms for monitoring hate speech online and offline.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the impact of hate speech and misinformation. These campaigns should promote communal harmony and educate citizens about the legal consequences of engaging in hate speech.
Promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Community Engagement
- Community-Based Initiatives: Encourage interfaith dialogue through community programs that unite leaders from different religious backgrounds to foster understanding and cooperation. Programs like these can help reduce tensions and build trust among diverse communities.
- Government-Supported Forums: Establish government-supported forums where grievances related to religious discrimination can be discussed openly with representatives from various communities, ensuring that all voices are heard.
Revisiting Controversial Legislation
- Review of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC): Conduct a thorough review of these laws to ensure they align with India’s constitutional commitment to secularism and do not disproportionately affect religious minorities6. Engaging with civil society organizations for feedback can help make these laws more inclusive.
- Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Discussions: Initiate inclusive discussions about the UCC with all stakeholders to address concerns about its impact on religious freedom while ensuring it respects India’s pluralistic ethos.
Empowering Civil Society Organizations
- Support for NGOs: Reassess the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) regulations to ensure that civil society organizations working on minority rights are not unduly targeted or restricted. Providing NGOs with a clear framework for operation can enhance their role in promoting social justice.
- Capacity Building: Invest in capacity-building programs for NGOs focused on minority rights, enabling them to better advocate for policy changes and support affected communities.
Educational Reforms
- Inclusion in Curriculum: Integrate education on religious tolerance and diversity into school curricula across India. This can help break down stereotypes from an early age, fostering a culture of respect and understanding among future generations.
- Training for Law Enforcement: Provide sensitivity training for law enforcement officers to handle cases involving religious minorities with greater empathy and understanding.
THE CONCLUSION:
While the USCIRF report highlights significant concerns regarding religious freedom in India, it also presents constructive dialogue and reform opportunities. By addressing these issues transparently and implementing targeted solutions, India can strengthen its commitment to religious pluralism and reinforce its position as the world’s largest democracy.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 Discuss the impact of the post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. 2023
Q.2 Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the critical elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. 2022
Q.3 Are diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalization? Justify your answer. 2020
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Religious freedom is a cornerstone of democratic societies, yet its implementation often faces challenges in diverse nations.” In light of this statement, critically examine India’s current state of religious freedom.
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