Discrimination: Religious

Description:

Religious discrimination occurs when people are treated unfairly or unequally because of their faith, belief, or lack thereof. Despite India's constitutional promise of secularism, religious discrimination remains a harsh reality for many.

Introduction

India, known for its diverse tapestry of religions, philosophies, and spiritual traditions, is constitutionally a secular country. It is home to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and many other smaller faiths. While the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of religion under Article 25, reality paints a more complex picture. In recent years, incidents of religious intolerance and discrimination have increased, sparking concern at both national and international levels.

Religious discrimination in India can take many forms—verbal abuse, physical violence, social exclusion, employment bias, and even systemic neglect. This discrimination is not limited to any one religion. While minority groups like Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs are often the targets, even intra-religious groups face marginalization.

Forms of Religious Discrimination
1. Social Discrimination

In many parts of the country, people belonging to minority faiths are still viewed with suspicion or treated as outsiders. For instance, Muslims may be denied housing in certain neighborhoods or flats, and Christians may face hostility during their festivals or missionary work.

In rural areas, Dalit Christians or Muslim converts often face double discrimination—based on both caste and religion.

2. Employment Bias

There have been reports of job applicants being rejected because of their religious names or attire. Some people change their names to more “neutral” or Hindu-sounding names to avoid rejection. In the private sector, this bias is harder to track but undeniably present.

In government jobs and education, while reservations exist for Scheduled Castes and Tribes, religious minorities like Muslims have not seen proportional benefits. The Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted how Muslims lag behind in almost every socio-economic indicator.

3. Violence and Hate Crimes

Communal violence has scarred India's history—Partition (1947), anti-Sikh riots (1984), Babri Masjid demolition and riots (1992), Godhra and Gujarat riots (2002), Delhi riots (2020), and others. These violent episodes often result in mass loss of life, displacement, and trauma, disproportionately affecting religious minorities.

Mob lynchings over beef consumption or cow transportation have targeted Muslims and Dalits in particular. Christian communities in tribal regions face attacks on churches and accusations of forced conversions.

4. Educational Discrimination

In schools, children from minority backgrounds may be mocked for their customs or language. In some cases, textbooks have been accused of promoting one religion as superior, or rewriting historical narratives to suit a particular ideology. Religious symbols and practices from the dominant religion are sometimes normalized in educational settings, leaving minority students feeling alienated.

Affected Religious Groups
1. Muslims

India’s largest religious minority, Muslims (about 14.2% of the population), often face suspicion and stereotyping. They are sometimes unfairly linked with terrorism or labeled "anti-national." Neighborhood segregation, police profiling, and underrepresentation in media, politics, and high-paying jobs are all real issues.

2. Christians

Though only around 2.3% of the population, Christians are frequently accused of forced conversions. Several Christian institutions and pastors have been attacked, particularly in rural or tribal regions. Christmas celebrations or prayer meetings have been disrupted by fringe groups.

3. Sikhs

Despite being a proud and visible community, Sikhs have faced religious violence—most notably the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. Today, Sikh youth often feel misunderstood or stereotyped due to their unique appearance and historical association with separatist movements.

4. Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis

These communities are smaller in number but face varying challenges. Parsis, for example, struggle with population decline and fear of cultural extinction. Jains and Buddhists often face cultural erasure, especially in textbooks or heritage narratives dominated by majority religious perspectives.

5. Atheists and Non-believers

Although often left out of discussions, those who openly reject religion or religious customs also face discrimination—being labeled immoral or even "anti-Indian" in some circles.
Legal Framework and Protections

India’s Constitution provides strong legal backing for religious freedom and protection from discrimination.

1. Article 14
Guarantees equality before the law for all citizens.

2. Article 15
Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

3. Article 25 to 28
Guarantee freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.

4. Article 29 and 30
Provide protection to minorities to conserve their culture and establish educational institutions.

Recent Laws and Controversies

1. Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019

This act provides fast-track Indian citizenship to religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—except Muslims. Critics argue it violates secularism and discriminates based on religion.

2. Anti-Conversion Laws

Several states have passed laws to regulate or prohibit religious conversions, especially in the context of interfaith marriages. While the official reason is to stop "forced conversions," these laws are often seen as targeting Muslims and Christians unfairly.

3. Hijab and Religious Clothing Bans

In Karnataka (2022), Muslim students were denied entry to classrooms for wearing hijabs. The case sparked national and international debates about religious freedom and women's rights.
Role of Media and Society

Media plays a dual role. While some platforms highlight discrimination and advocate for rights, others amplify hate and promote divisive narratives. Social media, in particular, has become a hotbed for religious hate speech, misinformation, and communal polarization.

Societal change must start at the grassroots level—through interfaith dialogue, inclusive education, and community engagement. Religious leaders, civil society, and common citizens have a responsibility to stand up against hate and misinformation.

The Way Forward

To truly honor India's secular and democratic spirit, religious discrimination must be actively tackled at all levels:

Legal Enforcement: Strengthen the implementation of existing laws and punish hate crimes quickly.

Education Reform: Promote inclusive, balanced curriculums that respect all religions and philosophies.

Community Integration: Encourage mixed neighborhoods and interfaith activities to reduce isolation.

Media Accountability: Regulate hate speech and promote fact-checking on mainstream and social platforms.

Political Responsibility: Leaders must avoid using religion for electoral gains or promoting divisive policies.

Conclusion

Religious discrimination is a serious threat to India’s unity, peace, and constitutional ideals. Despite constitutional protections, bias persists in subtle and overt forms. For India to move forward as a pluralistic democracy, it must protect the rights of all religious communities, major or minor. True secularism is not the absence of religion, but equal respect for all.