New Delhi— The Supreme Court has issued a notice in response to a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by members of the Dalit Catholic Christian community of Kottapalayam Parish, Kumbakonam Catholic Diocese, Tamil Nadu. The petition alleges caste-based discrimination and the practice of "untouchability" by dominant Catholic Christians within the Church.

The petitioners argue that the prevailing caste-based discrimination and inhumane untouchability practices violate fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 15(1) & (2)(a), (b), 17, 19(1)(a), 21, and 25 of the Indian Constitution. Despite approaching both State and Central government authorities, as well as local Catholic Church officials, they claim that caste-based atrocities continue unabated in the Kottapalayam Parish.

Key Demands of Dalit Christians

Among their demands, the Dalit Christian community has sought equal access to burial grounds. They argue that they should be allowed to use the main cemetery for burials without caste-based restrictions. Additionally, they demand the use of a common funeral cart for all community members and the right to bring the bodies of their deceased loved ones into the main Parish Church for final funeral prayers, similar to the dominant caste groups.

The petitioners also contend that the systemic discrimination can only be addressed if Dalit Catholic Christians are given fair representation in key Church bodies, including the Parish Church Council and the Church Rebuilding Fund Collection Committee. They claim that caste bias has historically prevented their fair participation in these committees.

Another significant demand is the right to organize and conduct the Parish Church’s annual Car Festival without facing caste-based discrimination.

Legal Proceedings

The SLP challenges the Madras High Court's order dated April 30, 2024, which dismissed their petition. The High Court ruled that such matters should ultimately be decided by the National Commission for Minorities, to which the petitioners had already made a representation.

On February 21, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Manoj Misra issued a notice on the petition, signaling further legal scrutiny of the caste-based discrimination claims within the Catholic Church.