DMK Rajya Sabha member P. Wilson urged the Union Government to grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), arguing that the statutory body has become ineffective at a time when minority communities face growing insecurity.
Raising the issue in the Upper House, Wilson described the matter as central to the spirit of the Constitution and expressed concern over what he characterised as increasing incidents of targeted violence against minority groups. He referred to cases of mob lynching, attacks on pastors and priests, and vandalism of places of worship, stating that such incidents undermine constitutional guarantees of equality, secularism and religious freedom.
The senior advocate-turned-parliamentarian also alleged that anti-conversion laws in some States are being misused, citing data that nearly 400 cases have been registered since 2020, resulting in around 1,200 arrests. According to him, minorities require stronger institutional protection, yet the NCM currently lacks leadership, with key posts such as Chairperson and members remaining vacant.
Wilson referenced a Parliamentary Standing Committee report that had recommended granting constitutional status to the Commission, noting that its advisory powers have limited effectiveness. He called for constitutional amendments and reforms to strengthen the Commission’s authority, including investigative powers. The issue drew attention in the Rajya Sabha amid broader discussions on institutional safeguards and the protection of constitutional values and minority rights.
