Archbishop cautions Minorities chairman: Justice delayed is justice denied

"Justice delayed is justice denied," said Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras, at a meeting with the Karnataka State Minorities Commission Chairman Khusro Quraishi.

Expressing disappointment over the investigation into the church attacks in Karnataka, Archbishop Moras at a private meeting with Quraishi said the response of the Somshekhara Commission was slow and out of Church's expectations.

He brought to notice the questions raised by the Commission against the Church and its Scriptures. "The posse of questions regarding the Holy Bible are in effect actually questioning the very authenticity and validity of it," he said.

Archbishop Moras, also the President of the Karnataka United Christians Forum for Human Rights, further told Quraishi that benefits made available for Christians is out of reach due to difficult procedures and sometimes the government corruption.

Although the 'Aradhane' scheme supports construction of religious places, he pointed "one has to pay a bribe to get what is rightfully theirs."

Meanwhile, Quraishi seemingly upset over the recent communal violence in Mysore, called on the Christian community to remain one and promote peace.

In response, the Archbishop stressed, the Christian community has "always been peaceful and fostered peace." He added: "We have never reacted with violence. Our peaceful nature has often been taken advantage of, but we will continue to respond with peaceful protests."

Three persons, including a child, were killed and several injured when a communal clash broke out over alleged desecration of a mosque in Mysore on July 2. A curfew was imposed in the riot-affected areas and schools and colleges were shut until 4 July.

Karnataka is the only southern state ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).