The Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council has created history by appointing two laypeople to head its co-mmission for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes. Arch-bishop Peter Machado of Ban-galore, the council president, on April 7 announced the appointment of Isabella Selvaraj Xavier as the commi-ssion’s joint secretary, the first woman to hold the post. The council has also promoted the current joint secretary Alphonse G Kennedy as the commission secre-tary. Kennedy is the first layperson to serve as secretary of the commission. Fr. Yagappa, the outgoing secretary, hailed Kennedy’s promotion as a “a significant and well-de-served recognition” of his dedication and commit-ment. “We extend our warmest congratulations to him on this important role. We are confi-dent that his expertise and passion will greatly benefit the interests and welfare” of those under the commission.
Justice Bhuyan Calls for Protection of Dissent and Personal Liberty
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has expressed concern over the growing trend of treating peaceful dissent and ordinary actions as criminal offences. Speaking at a
