QUESTION: The Supreme Court on April 9 said people are free to choose their own religion, even as it lashed out at a “very, very harmful kind” of “public interest” petition claiming there is mass religious conversion happening “by hook or by crook” across the country. What is your response to Justice Rohinton F. Nariman’s judgement?

ANSWER: I welcome the judgement, because people’s freedom is not being respected in this country. There is now a kind of extremism setting in at all levels. And the courts are our only hope for safe-guarding human rights. All fundamental rights of citizens cannot be con-strained and restricted this way. In an atmosphere where even the courts are reluctant to safeguard the constitutional rights of each and every citizen, the supreme court has come up with something that gives hope. Some people are openly harking on minority-majority distinction. The minority should not be denied its fundamental rights, but it is happening because of vote bank politics. The truth is somehow buried and fairness and justice are overlooked. This is very bad for a big democratic country like India. We are suffering. The diversity and plurality of religions and culture are no more respected. The only consideration for politicians is how to stay in power. The Hindus are converting people of other religions in both outside and inside India, but when Christians or Muslims welcome those who get converted to their religion, they raise a hue and cry. They also indulge in violent actions. Today, some-how, truth is made a victim.

Abp Leo Cornelio
Bhopal