New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed deep anguish and alarm over what it describes as a growing climate of hostility and violence against minority communities across the country. In a statement issued on Monday, the CBCI said that minorities, gripped by fear and pain, are increasingly vulnerable amid rising attacks by communal elements and the disturbing apathy of authorities tasked with upholding the law and constitutional values.
The CBCI’s concerns come in the wake of a series of incidents that it believes reflect the deteriorating state of institutional impartiality. One such incident occurred on 17 June 2025, when BJP MLA Shri Gopichand Padalkar allegedly made inflammatory remarks during a public speech in Kupwad, Sangli, Maharashtra. According to reports, the MLA provoked members of the public against Christians by announcing cash rewards for attacking Christian priests. “Whoever beats the first priest will get a price of rupees five lakhs, whoever beats the second will get four lakhs and the third will get three lakhs. Increased price of eleven lakhs was also offered,” he allegedly stated.
The CBCI emphasized that such incitement warrants immediate legal action. The statement noted that the speech, widely circulated through video footage and media, was explicit, direct, and posed a real threat to public order. It further pointed out that such acts constitute a grave offence under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which penalizes the promotion of enmity between different groups and threatens national unity. Despite the seriousness of the statement and peaceful protests by concerned citizens, law enforcement authorities have reportedly failed to register even a First Information Report (FIR) against the MLA. The CBCI strongly criticized this inaction, contrasting it with the swift legal responses often taken against students, activists, and opposition leaders for minor or peaceful expressions, including social media posts.
The CBCI also highlighted another incident that occurred on 25 July 2025, involving the arrest of two Catholic religious women at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh. The sisters were detained while accompanying three girls who were travelling with them. Despite the girls being over 18 years of age and having provided written consent from their parents, the sisters were reportedly arrested following pressure from communal elements. It is alleged that they were subjected to physical assault. When the girls’ parents arrived at the police station, they were allegedly prevented by the police from meeting their daughters. Furthermore, the CBCI noted that a provision under Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968 - absent in the original FIR - was later added in the Section 173 BNSS report at 5.30 PM the same day.
The CBCI reiterated that the Indian Constitution and its morality were accepted by the people of India as the guiding dharma of the nation. It stated that freedom of conscience is not merely a fundamental right but also part of the basic structure of the Constitution, deeply rooted in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Quoting Loknath Misra from the Constituent Assembly debates, the CBCI reminded the public that “Vedic culture excludes nothing. Every philosophy and culture has its place.” It also referred to Rigveda 5:85, which highlights the duty towards one’s neighbour and the importance of non-interference in others’ freedom of conscience.
Justice Rohinton Nariman was also cited in the CBCI’s statement, which referred to his book An Ode to Fraternity, where he underscores the importance of understanding all religions and practising what is good in each as the only way to live peacefully in a pluralistic society. The CBCI warned that humanity has progressed toward freedom, liberty, and equality, and that India should not be reversing this trend. Instead, it called upon the nation to resist the communalization of democratic institutions and the erosion of constitutional values.
According to the CBCI, recent developments point to the deconstruction of the constitutional state and the growing communalization of independent institutions. It warned that the end of rule of law leads to anarchy, which no nation can afford. It also expressed concern about the judiciary, stating that abdication of judicial duty is a dangerous trend. It referenced recent instances where judges, including a former Chief Justice of India, were seen either deciding on allegations against themselves or seeking divine intervention in serious matters instead of relying on the Constitution and the law.
In view of the gravity of the situation, the CBCI issued a fervent appeal to the nation and its people of goodwill. It urged the Government of India and all political parties to rise above partisanship and take appropriate constitutional steps to safeguard the country and its citizens. The statement concluded with a call for immediate action to protect the principles enshrined in the Constitution and to uphold the dignity and rights of all citizens, regardless of religion.