New Delhi: Indian Muslims continue to face widespread housing discrimination, denying them equal access to one of the most basic constitutional rights — the right to shelter. Reports reveal that Muslims across cities are routinely turned away by landlords and property dealers who refuse to rent or sell homes to them due to communal prejudice.
The exclusion has forced many Muslims into clustered neighbourhoods, creating informal ghettos in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. These areas often lack proper infrastructure and social services, reinforcing economic and social segregation.
Financial institutions also play a role in deepening the gap. Many Muslims face hurdles in accessing home loans and insurance due to biases within banking systems and risk profiling practices. This limits their opportunities for home ownership and long-term financial stability.
Though discrimination in housing is illegal under Indian law, enforcement remains weak. Complaints are rarely addressed, and victims often avoid reporting incidents for fear of retaliation or further exclusion.
Activists have raised concerns over the silence of political leaders and policymakers on the issue. They argue that housing inequality is not only an economic concern but a constitutional failure. Advocacy groups are calling for stronger legal mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and accountability from housing authorities to ensure equal rights for all communities.
