Thursday, April 06, 2006

Compass Direct: India - Supreme Court Denies Tribal Posts to Converts

"Judges uphold law excluding Christians from running for provincial office.

April 4 (Compass Direct) - The Supreme Court last Tuesday (March 28) quietly ruled that conversion of tribal people to Christianity could disqualify them from running for some elective offices if the posts involve religious functions. This ruling emerged from the court's verdict upholding a law that excludes Christians from running for the office of headman in Elaka Jowai, Meghalaya state. Dr. John Dayal, president of the All India Catholic Union, said the court has deeply injured minority rights. "The issue is both one of separation of church and state and of the right of minority religion believers to seek whichever secular political or administrative office they wish to", Dayal said."

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