NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India is currently deliberating a case involving a tribal Christian man from Chhattisgarh who is seeking permission to bury his deceased father in their village graveyard. The case underscores ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in India, particularly under the current Modi administration.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the Supreme Court expressed its disappointment over the failure of the state and High Court to resolve the burial dispute. The matter has been deferred for further consideration.

The issue arose after the petitioner’s father, a Christian pastor, passed away on January 7. Attempts to bury him in Chindwara village’s Christian-designated graveyard were thwarted by local villagers who threatened the family. Police reportedly pressured the family to find an alternative burial site, resulting in the pastor’s body remaining in a mortuary for over two weeks.

The petitioner’s plea highlights the historical oral agreement by the Gram Panchayat to allocate separate graveyards for Hindus and Christians. Despite this, the High Court ruled that no official Christian burial ground exists in Chindwara and advised the family to use a designated graveyard located 20-25 kilometers away.

The High Court’s decision was supported by the state government, citing concerns over potential public discord. However, Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the petitioner, contested this stance, providing photographic evidence of existing Christian graves in the village cemetery.

The state’s affidavit further contended that converted Christians are not entitled to burial in the village graveyard, a reflection of broader systemic issues affecting minority communities in India.