India's Supreme Court tells the Indian Government that the Court
will continue the hearing on the Dalit Christian case on its
Constitutional merit
Press Release
October 8, 2005, New Delhi
Statement released by Dr. Joseph D'souza, President, AICC; Rev. Moses Swamidas; and Mr. Franklin Ceasar after the hearing on October 18, 2005.
The Indian Government once again tried to scuttle the Supreme Court hearing saying that it had appointed a Commission to look into the matter of reservation (affirmative action benefits) for Dalit Christians and that the Supreme Court therefore should dismiss the case. The Supreme Court, however, said that it was looking into the case of reservation for Dalit Christians on Constitutional merit and it was well within its right to hear the case. The Supreme Court has now fixed October 25, 2005, as the date for the next hearing.
The issue before the Supreme Court is not about some technical problem with the reservation system, but rather the Constitutional basis on which Dalit Christians were denied their right to affirmative action given to all Dalits. The question is, "Are these Christians indeed Dalits?" If they are Dalits, why has the Parliament not given them their due rights and benefits?
Christian leaders are encouraged by the stand of the Supreme Court. "I cannot see how the Government can deny the legitimate rights of Dalit Christians. Ultimately, this will need a Bill in Parliament and the Government needs to be proactive rather than defensive on the issue of reservation for Dalit Christians," said John Dayal.
A number of national political parties have already given their letter of support to the All India Christian Council on the issue of reservation benefits for Dalit Christians.
Earlier, representatives of the All India Christian Council deposed successfully before the newly appointed Ranganath Mishra Commission. Among them were Rev. Moses Swamidass, Dr. John Dayal, and Mr. Franklin Ceasar, the main petitioner in the Supreme Court.
Signed,
Joseph D'souza