State to HC: Church survey to benefit minorities

Says the findings will be used for better implementation of welfare programmes

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The state government defended its survey of churches before the High Court today, saying the infor mation collected is to ensure the welfare and well-being of the minorities. Deputy Commissioners were issued instructions by the Directorate of Minorities Welfare to conduct a survey of churches in their respective districts, a move that was widely opposed by the community, which makes up a minority here in the state. On July 7, 2021, a petition was submitted to the court, questioning its legality.

The PIL was filed by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties – Karnataka. It states that the communication, which came based on a meeting of the Welfare Community, is illegal, discriminatory, arbitrary and unconstitutional. They called it a “violation” of the right to equality and privacy under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.

In its objections, which were heard by the High Court on Friday, the state questioned the maintainability of the PIL on legal grounds. The state said the petition has not justified its aims and objectivity in approaching the court by filing a PIL, which is mandatory as per the Karnataka (Public Interest Litigation) Rules 2018.

The state referred to the Christian Development Programs initiated by the Directorate of Minorities Welfare, saying that the collection of data as per the communication on July 7, 2021, is to effectively implement such programs. It went on to add that the duties of the Directorate include community welfare of minorities, financial assistance to orphanages belonging to minorities, hostels of minorities construction of community halls for minorities, church renovations, development of residential and non-essential schools, cemetery development and so on, for which a separate fund is allocated in the annual budget of the state.

The petitioners contended that even the Karnataka Minorities Commission Act, 1994, has no provision that empowers the collection of such data about churches. They termed the ‘survey’ or collection of data as ‘persecution’ of minority institutions.

However, the State informed the High Court that the data shall not be divulged, keeping in mind the safety and security aspects of the minorities. The High Court has adjourned the matter.