GFA leader hopeful of favorable verdict even as apex court delays hearing of Dalit Christian issue

New Delhi – In the wake of the Supreme Court adjourning the hearing of the Dalit Christian issue, Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder president of the U.S.–based Gospel for Asia (GFA) mission group has expressed optimism, opining that the apex court was delaying the matter for this was a landmark case and “when the court rules in favor of the Dalit Christians, it will be like a dam bursting.”

On November 28, at a hearing before a three–judge panel, the Indian government assured the Supreme Court that it would extend quota benefits to Dalit Christians if the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities finds sufficient data to establish their "social backwardness."

According to Dr. Yohannan, "the decision is nothing short of a miracle," as he has “seen the suffering and pain of these Dalit Christians.”

“I have absolutely no doubt that the commission will find them deserving of justice," he said.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Mr. Gopal Subramaniam, appearing on behalf of the Indian Govenrment, said that the discrimination made in the order between the Christian Dalits and non–Christian Dalits was not based on religion, but on the social backwardness of any caste, tribe, or race. He noted that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Tribes was opposed to extending the affirmative–action reservations to the Dalit Christians.

Mr. Subramaniam questioned the court's right to interfere with the list of scheduled castes and tribes, contending that any inclusion or deletion in the list would have to be through a law passed in Parliament, and that any government decision would have to be based on the recommendations of an expert body that conclusively states on the basis of data that Dalit Christians are subjected to "social disabilities" comparable with those of other Dalits. "An expert body is looking into this," he said, referring to the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities.

At the same time, India's major political parties – except for the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party – have expressed support for the Dalit Christians.

"I am delighted that political leaders are willing to take this step, and I congratulate them on their commitment to freedom for hundreds of millions of oppressed people," Dr. Yohannan said.

The GFA leader called on Christians around the world to pray for the case, which has now been delayed until February, and may not be settled until April.

"Once again, the Lord is giving us more time to pray for the Supreme Court to give millions of Dalit Christians their full rights as citizens of India," he said.

“The possibility is that 300 million 'Untouchables' who have been living in slavery will at last find their way to freedom and hope. This is the last barrier to them moving out of the oppression of the Hindu caste system,” he concluded.

Hopegivers International’s Bill Bray concurs with Dr. Yohannan.

"The Supreme Court decision to post–pone their decision is very good news. It means that they're taking this case very seriously. They could have rejected it right out of hand and gone with the Hindu majority and they've not done that,” he said.

Though the hearing has been delayed, Bray feels that if Dalit Christians receive equal rights, they will have incredible opportunities to share Christ. “They can be promoted in the military, promoted to government service. And, Christians will be treated more as equals. Now these doors are opening to the Christians and it's up to them to use this opportunity to witness,” he said.