Latest news with #CRII
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Call for true religious freedom in India
Hyderabad Speakers at a national seminar on Saturday expressed grave concern over 'increasing cases of violence against Christians', even as they alleged misuse of law to foist cases on members of this community. 'Religious Freedom in India: Reality or Dream?', organised at the Centenary Baptist Church, by the Civil Rights Initiative Internationale (CRII), saw prominent speakers, including former civil servants, sharing their views. The seminar brought together intellectuals, legal experts, and policy makers, who laid emphasis on justice, equality, and true religious freedom. K. Babu Rao, former IPS officer, and national president of CRII, recalled the case of an Adivasi pastor, Subhash Bhagel, whose son was unable to bury him in the village graveyard. His son had to move the apex court in an effort to get justice. 'Is living as a Christian a crime? Enjoying the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution is our right,' he said. Speakers also highlighted the 'lack of religious freedom faced by Dalit Christians and Muslims' due to the 1950 Presidential Order, and urged that efforts should be made towards its repeal. They expressed concern over misuse of anti-conversion laws. 'We are Indians, and we will uphold the Constitution,' was the collective message. Recent incidents from Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh were pointed out. In one incident, over 500 people were booked during a prayer service though they were not 'converted'. In another, birthday cake cutting was labelled a Christian ritual. Keynote speeches were delivered by advocates Tehmina Arora and Franklin Thomas Caesar, both of whom joined the seminar from Delhi. They shared their opinions on how legal systems have been affecting religious freedom in India. Former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh Minnie Mathew was the Chief Guest. Mr. Rao released a book titled 'Swechha Nunchi Cherasala Loki' (From Freedom to Prison), written by journalist Suresh Pulugujju.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Civil rights body to host meet on religious freedom on Aug. 9
Civil Rights Initiative Internationale (CRII) is organising a national conference on 'Religious Freedom in India: Is It Still a Far Cry from Reality?' at the Centenary Baptist Church, Secunderabad, on August 9. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, CRII national president K. Babu Rao said the meet would respond to the deepening crisis of religious freedom and rising attacks on Christian communities across the country. He said the conference would examine the legal and constitutional framework guaranteeing religious freedom and also review Supreme Court judgments relevant to the rights of religious minorities. Mr. Babu Rao, a former IPS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, noted that the meet would highlight recent case studies of persecution and legal harassment and discuss strategic responses to growing religious extremism and discrimination. He also announced plans to launch a national advocacy network to defend constitutional rights and pluralism. By bringing together senior advocates, constitutional experts, church leaders, journalists and civil society voices, CRII seeks to forge a collective strategy to defend faith, restore rights and uphold the dignity of every Indian citizen, especially those facing targeted discrimination, he added. The key speakers at the conference include Director of Advocacy (Asia) for ADF International Tehmina Arora, Supreme Court advocate Franklin Caesar Thomas, and Hyderabad Institute of Theology and Apologetics director Rev. Sudhakar Mondithoka, apart from Rao.
