Karnataka govt must act on court order says human rights organisations

Urging to act on High Court's January 7 order supporting the rights of Christians in Davangere, Karnataka, human rights organizations including the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), have demanded response from the Karnataka government.

President of PUCL, Hasan Mansoor, said the concerned authorities should withdraw false cases charged against Christians and churches. Similarly voicing concerns were members from Karnataka Samatha Sainik Dal, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Praja Vimochana Chaluvali, Komusauhardha Vedike and All India Christian Council.

Y.J. Rajendra of PUCL said the state government should apply the government order in action. Police must uphold the rule of law, he added.

The High Court earlier this month responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by pastors from churches in Davangere in the wake of recent persecution from Hindu radicals, ordered protection of minorities and reopening of closed churches.

It also demanded that the police register cases and arrest those who have perpetrated violence against the Christian community.

Expressing satisafaction over the ruling of the High Court, All India Christian Council in a statement said, "Twelve churches that were closed are opened now. All the cases lodged falsely against pastors were withdrawn with immediate effect due to the court verdict."

"During the court proceedings, the public prosecutor committed to give better protection to Christians and the minorities in Karnataka state," it added.