The increasing instances of religious discrimination and the inaction of state institutions in India present a serious threat to the constitutional values of justice, equality, and secularism. When individuals are targeted or denied their rights based on religious identity, it is not merely a social failure but a direct violation of the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of religion and equal treatment before the law. These are not hollow assurances but fundamental duties binding upon the state and its institutions. Yet, recurring incidents—be it mob lynchings, hate crimes, or systemic exclusion—demonstrate that these rights are far from being universally upheld, particularly for religious minorities.
Equally concerning is the silence of political leadership on such issues. This silence, often perceived as endorsement, encourages perpetrators and further marginalizes vulnerable communities. Such indifference threatens the vision of India as a pluralistic and inclusive society.
To reverse this trend, all democratic institutions—legislative, judicial, executive, and media—must recommit to upholding constitutional morality. The police and judiciary must act with impartiality, ensuring swift justice in cases involving religious discrimination. Media must resist divisive narratives and amplify voices that uphold unity and harmony.
Protecting religious freedom is not just about safeguarding minority rights; it is about defending the soul of the nation. A country that fails to ensure dignity and equality for all risks losing its moral and democratic foundation.
These inputs were taken from the editorial of Madhyamam Online, published on May 1.
