ISLAMABAD: Claims of discriminatory treatment towards Muslims within the Indian government and judiciary have been a longstanding concern, with specific cases cited as evidence.
These incidents, such as the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat and the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, have been pointed to as glaring examples of bias against the Muslim community.
The 2002 anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat were triggered by a fire in a train in Godhra that claimed the lives of 59 Hindu pilgrims. Subsequently, Muslims were accused by Hindus for their alleged involvement in the train fire. The aftermath saw horrific violence, with over 2,000 Muslims being brutally attacked and killed by Hindu rioters.
In the legal realm, the Indian Supreme Court’s handling of these cases has also come under scrutiny. The apex court closed all proceedings related to the Gujarat riots and the Babri Masjid demolition, deeming them “infructuous” and stating that “nothing survives in the matter now.” Critics argue that this disposition raises concerns about the impartiality of the Indian judiciary in cases concerning the Muslim community.
The Babri Masjid, a 400-year-old mosque, was demolished on December 6, 1992, by a large group of activists associated with Hindu nationalist organizations, claiming that the mosque was built on the birthplace of the Hindu deity Ram. The Supreme Court’s ownership decision in November 2019 contradicted this claim, stating that there was no evidence to suggest that the mosque was built on any demolished temple.
The mosque, constructed in 1528 on the orders of Mughal Kingdom military officer Mir Baqi, became the focal point of tension during a political rally involving Hindu activists and members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The rally turned violent, leading to the targeted destruction of the Babri Masjid. An ensuing investigation identified 68 individuals, including several senior BJP and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders, for inciting the mob through provocative speeches.
Critics have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of not only advocating for policies that discriminate against Muslims, religious minorities, and low-caste Hindus but also applying pressure on both the judiciary and the media. These allegations underscore the need for a thorough and impartial examination of the treatment of Muslims within India’s government and legal system, to ensure justice and fairness for all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
