Core Issue: A family’s request to bury Pastor Subhas Baghel in their native village (Chhindawada, Chhattisgarh) vs. the state’s proposed designated Christian graveyard in Bastar district.
Relevance : GS2(Polity and Governance)
Court Observations:
- Affidavit by Chhattisgarh deemed “vague”; Court demanded clarity on the location, boundaries, and exclusivity of the Christian graveyard.
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna: Urged resolution as the body had been in the morgue since January 7; emphasized burials must occur in designated areas specific to faith.
- Justice Satish Chandra Sharma: Stressed the importance of burial in an officially designated Christian graveyard.
State Government’s Stand:
- Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta: Defended the state’s designated graveyard for Christians in Bastar and offered to install signboards to avoid confusion.
Family’s Argument:
- Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves: Criticized the state’s approach as discriminatory and hostile, asserting the burial should take place in Chhindawada per family traditions.
Key Legal and Religious Implications:
- Religious Freedom: Addresses the right to practice one’s faith in burial practices.
- State’s Role: Highlights the need for clear designation and respect for religious burial grounds.
- Discrimination: Raises concerns about bias in the treatment of burial practices of minority communities.
Next Steps:
- The Supreme Court has reserved its order and requested a revised affidavit from the state for a detailed and conclusive resolution.
