Indentify Plot for Christian Cemetery: Bombay Court to State

Picture for representation DNA

Observing that the Maharashtra government had singled out Christian community by cancelling the allotment of a plot of land meant for a cemetery, the Bombay High Court on Nov. 13 directed the state to identify an alternate plot for the same by Nov. 17.

"There may be people who believe they are best, but before the court, everyone is equal," said the court.

A bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice M S Sonak accused the state for denying Christians their basic rights.

The two also reminded the state that it was bound to implement the constitutional principle of secularism and that it could not discriminate against any citizen on the basis of his faith or religious beliefs.

"There may be people who believe they are best, but before the court, everyone is equal," said the court, according to DNA.

The state had canceled the initial allotment of 12,500 square meters of land for the Christian cemetery and allotted a smaller plot of 2,500 square meters. Even that small plot is still not been given into possession.

"The state should show respect to the departed souls and I don't think any authority will have any problem on that," said the court.

The court suggested that a representative of the Christian community coordinate with the officials of the Urban Development Department and the Diary Development department to watch over the identification of plot of land for a cemetery.

"If the government does not do it, then we know how to get it done. Don't compel us to be not polite, don't invite such things," said the court.