When the Constitution Is Ignored

All efforts by our Constitution makers to create India’s secular foundation through Articles 25–28, allowing everyone to freely profess, practise and propagate any religion, and preventing state promotion of a particular religion, have virtually come to naught this Christmas, when celebrations and gatherings related to the festival were attacked at various places in the country. Although condemnations have started pouring in from all parts of the country, it is no gainsaying that the real remedy will continue to elude us until the culprits are handed exemplary punishment. In this regard, it is a pity that the authorities have so far not taken any punitive action against the offenders, despite having enough documentary evidence of violence, harassment and disruption of religious functions during Christmas.

It is deeply worrying that incidents violating the basic structure of our Constitution have risen considerably in recent times. Almost all religious minority groups living in the country for ages are now facing various forms of harassment, making them feel unsafe in a nation that has long occupied a unique place in the world for its diversity. There are few countries with the kind of ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural plurality that India possesses. It can safely be concluded that the day India stops respecting this diversity, the country will lose its place as one of the most tolerant nations in the world, where people of all castes, creeds and religions can live together peacefully, reflecting the spirit of humanity.

In this context, it must be mentioned that the Christian community, which came under attack during the Christmas celebrations, may not be large in number, but has lived in this subcontinent for nearly two millennia and has contributed significantly to nation-building. The most worrying aspect is that despite such deep roots, this religious minority is being targeted for celebrating a festival that has attained the status of a universal celebration, observed worldwide by people across religions. Before subjecting them to harassment, it must be remembered that allowing them to live freely in the country is not a concession, but a constitutional obligation. Failure to uphold this duty will seriously weaken the foundation of the nation.

Therefore, the perpetrators of crimes committed during Christmas must be brought to book without further delay. They should not be spared under any circumstances, as these are not merely attacks on a religious minority, but attacks on the Indian Constitution itself. To safeguard the Constitution, there must be no leniency towards the culprits. This is essential to reaffirm that the Republic does not tolerate intimidation or violence against any religious group, and that it guarantees equal protection to all, irrespective of numbers. This is the essence of India, where every individual is free to practise faith peacefully, and it is the duty of the state to ensure that this freedom is protected.