Question : ATTACK ON CHURCHES RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

(a) whether the National Human Rights Commission has taken suo moto cognizance of attacks on churches and other religious institutions in Delhi during the last few months and has issued notice to the concerned agencies and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether attack on religious institutions have also been reported in various parts of the country and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether frequent attacks on religious institutions of the minority community are violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to apprehend the culprits involved in such attacks?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 13 FOR 24.2.2015

(a) The National Human Rights Commission have informed that they have taken suo moto cognizance and have issued notices to concerned agencies on the alleged incidents relating to the Churches in the NCT of Delhi.

(b) to (d) “Public Order” and “Police” are State subjects as per the provisions of the Constitution of India. The responsibilities of maintaining law and order, registration and prosecution of crimes including attacks on religious institutions rest primarily with the respective State Governments. Details regarding incidents/ attacks on religious institutions in the country are not maintained centrally.

The Right to Freedom of Religion is guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India. State Governments are competent to deal with religion related offences under the extant provisions of laws.