Latest news with #MinorityCommission
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HC to govt: Consider plea to notify Marathi-speaking community as linguistic minority in state
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh High Court directed state authorities to consider a representation seeking the identification of linguistic minority languages and communities, specifically including Marathi. The petitioner seeks to have Marathi notified as a linguistic minority language and, subsequently, for Marathi-speaking communities to be declared a linguistic minority in the state. The court noted that Dr Sachin Ashok Kale, the petitioner, filed a representation on 22 April 2023, followed by another on 27 Nov 2024, addressing his grievance to the President, Minority Commission, Raipur. The bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru directed the authorities to decide on 27 Nov 2024 representation within three months of receiving a certified copy of the order, if it was not considered already. The petitioner, appearing in person, highlighted that the Centre notified Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis), and Jains as minority communities under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. He cited Articles 29 and 350A of the Constitution, which protect linguistic and religious minorities. The petitioner referred to the Supreme Court's decision in the TMA Pai Foundation case, which clarified that linguistic and religious minorities are covered under Article 30 of the Constitution. He argued that for determining minority status, the state, not the entire country, should be the unit. He also pointed out that the Chhattisgarh Rajya Minorities Commission (Amendment) Act, 2013, allows for communities notified by the state govt to be considered minorities. He further submitted that states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh have already recognised languages like Urdu, Marathi, Hindi, Tulu, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam as minority languages. He also mentioned that Maharashtra notified Jews as a minority community in 2022. Government counsel Sangharsh Pandey argued that the petition seeking a mandamus to declare Marathi as a linguistic minority language was a policy decision and beyond the court's jurisdiction. He stated that the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, and the Chhattisgarh Rajya Alpsankhyak Ayog Adhiniyam, 1996, define minorities as communities notified by the Central or State Govt. Pandey contended that Marathi is already listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and is one of India's most widely spoken languages, making its declaration as a linguistic minority unwarranted, particularly as there is no evidence of socio-economic or educational backwardness among Marathi speakers in Chhattisgarh. The court disposed of the public interest litigation with the direction for the state govt, Chhattisgarh Minorities Commission, and Minority Welfare Department to consider the petitioner's representation. The petitioner has been asked to submit a copy of the order to the authorities concerned within two weeks, and the state counsel has been directed to communicate the order for compliance.
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Minority commission chief slams Nitesh Rane's comment on Eid
Pyare Khan, chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, has criticised the recent statements made by Minister Nitesh Rane, accusing him of sowing divisions and targeting Indian Muslims in the name of Pakistan. Rane had questioned the sacrifice of animals during Eid Al Adha, called for a celebration of a 'virtual Eid' and said India does not operate under Shariah law. 'Nitesh Rane keeps making the same hurtful comments again and again,' Khan said. 'He taunts Indian Muslims by dragging in Pakistan, why? The truth is, those who chose to go to Pakistan did not believe in India. But those who stayed here, they are the honest ones. They believe in this country, and people admire them for that. Maybe that's what is bothering Nitesh Rane the most,' Khan said. He was talking to the media in Nagpur on Tuesday. Khan expressed concern that Rane's statements are not just harmful to society, but also risk dragging down his own party. 'By speaking like this, Nitesh Rane is damaging the image of the BJP. These are personal statements, but they reflect on everyone,' he said. He also issued a firm warning. 'If communal tensions rise because of such comments, the Minority Commission will act. We have the power under Section 10 to issue a notice. If a riot happens, and it is because of his words, we won't hesitate to hold him responsible.' When contacted, Nitesh Rane said, 'I was expecting a responsible person like him from the Muslim community to come out and support the stand of celebrating eco-friendly Bakrid. That will solve a lot of problems and stop this Hindu-Muslim divide for good.'
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
School denies admission to child over religion, 2 booked
Nagpur: An aided school's secretary and admission in-charge have been charged with hurting religious sentiments after allegedly refusing admission to a student from a particular religion in Standard VI. The offence was registered at Jaripatka police station on Thursday. School secretary Rajesh Lalwani and admission in-charge Simran Gyanchandani have been named as accused in the case under Section 299 of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) by the Jaripatka police following a complaint from school headmistress Geeta Harwani. The TOI is in possession of the FIR. Sources said the complainant has also presented a voice recording to the police in which the boy from a particular religion was denied admission. Police will now send the voice sample for forensic analysis and examination. Senior inspector of Jaripatka police station Arun Kshirsagar said the accused are facing charges of hurting religious sentiments. "The concerned school is an aided institution and receives grants from the govt. In such a scenario, there cannot be any religious discrimination," said Kshirsagar, adding the section invoked was a cognizable one. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 장대한 콤보, 강력한 업그레이드, 끝없는 모험 레이드 섀도우 레전드 설치하기 Undo "We will issue notices in the case to the accused," said Kshirsagar. The complainants have also approached the Minority Commission. Panel chairperson Pyare Khan expressed shock at the manner in which the student was denied admission based on religion. "I too enquired into the case before taking the step. Two officials were sent to the school for verification, following which the offence was registered," said Khan, adding he intends to probe deeper. District child protection officer Mushtak Pathan, and child welfare committee member P Gaikwad also visited the school and inquired with the parents of the student who was denied admission on the basis of religion.
