Communalism

Discrimination targets Gujarat’s Muslim businesses

In a highly contentious move, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) recently revoked licenses for 27 highway hotels across the state, all of which were Muslim-owned establishments registered under Hindu names. This action, framed as a crackdown on "misleading naming practices," has drawn sharp criticism from Muslim entrepreneurs and community leaders, who view it as part of a broader pattern of religious discrimination.

How and why the Ram Temple is just a political tool for the BJP  

Ahead of the Lord Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya on 22 January, the supreme spiritual leaders of Sanatan Hindu Dharma have made a public statement that they would not participate in the inauguration ceremony in Ayodhya, causing a big embarrassment for the ruling Hindutva forces. 

Is the Congress anti-Hindu or anti Hindutva?

On January 10, 2024, the ‘grand old party’, the Congress, finally declined to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya on January 22, stating the blatant politicisation of religion and state behind the event as its reason, in its rather belated and vacillating response. Now, with the BJP attacking this move, the Congress has gone all out to counter the BJP’s ‘anti-Hindu’ slur

Dual Symbolisms: Smriti Irani visits Madinah, Saudi Arabia, PM Narendra Modi runs a road show with UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in...

In two well-coordinated programmes, prime minister Narendra Modi and union minister for minorities (also Women and Child Welfare) continents apart, on January 8 and January 9, led two programmes with all the optics in place, to show case their empathy with Muslims, at least, internationally

Hate speech surges again, BJP leaders among many who stoke communal fires

There has been a spate of hate speeches, each evoking reportedly shared anti-minority sentiments by stoking tropes of large Muslim neighbourhoods, cow slaughter, “love-jihad”

Indian Christian community faces persistent attacks in first 10 days in 2024

Persistent assaults on Christian institutions and gatherings spark concern as right-wing Hindutva groups allege forced conversions which has led to arrests and tensions in multiple districts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Bilkis Bano speaks: First person account, Godhra Relief Camp, March 2002

Twenty-two years ago, almost to the day, Bilkis Bano gave an oral statement recounting the horrors of what she had been through, to Communalism Combat magazine. Given the rather glaring trajectory of the case, where despite Bilkis’ Complaint, FIR with detailed facts, recounting the incident and naming accused, the Godhra police filed a ‘closure’ report (A Summary) which was even accepted by the local court, it is crucial that we re-visit, and read, in Bilkis’ words, her tale. Following the failures of the local administration, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) provided her the legal aid to ensure she finally does find justice, and peace.

Vigilante violence against Muslims continues without rest

From Madhya Pradesh to Karnataka, vigilante groups reportedly consisting of members from Hindutva organisations are reportedly accosting and beating Muslim youth across the country.

Amidst festive cheer, India’s Christian community confronts prejudice and intolerance

From Manipur to Delhi, Christians look back, with CJP, at the year that was 2023, reflecting with pain and regret, living amidst discrimination and violence

India’s Catholic clergy urges acts of conscience not political opportunism: Church leaders meet with PM Modi

A war of conscience and powerful words has broken out among the Indian Catholic clergy after Prime Minister Modi’s Christmas invite (December 25, 2023) to select church heads, who then circulated videos bowing in abject praise to the leader; a public campaign “Not in Our Name” was sought to be curtailed by some priests, leading to a powerful Open Letter from Father Anand in Varanasi

Growing intolerance across religion: Conservatives, Hindutva and some Islamic groups oppose New Year and Christmas celebrations

Conservative and right-wing groups rise in power across the world, a growing number of citizens are inevitably consuming and accepting the ideology they seek to preach.

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Tapan Bose: A Man and a Life to Remember

He was a true leader with his invincible blend of wisdom, vision, courage, conviction, humility and immense warmth.

Noise Pollution Ban: Unequal standards for diverse practices?

The recent Bombay High Court judgment (23rd January 2025) addresses the contentious issue of the use of loudspeakers at places of worship and their legal standing under Article 25 of the Constitution. The case was initiated following complaints by residents about persistent noise pollution caused by loudspeakers from religious institutions (masjids), particularly during early morning and late-night hours. The court examined whether such practices constituted an essential religious function or merely a cultural practice subject to regulation under existing noise pollution laws. The court ruled that loudspeakers are not an essential part of religious practice and directed the Maharashtra government and police to take strict action against violations of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. This ruling aligns with past judicial pronouncements while also raising questions about unequal enforcement of noise regulations across different religious communities.

Nagpur: Billboards portraying Gandhi Bapu’s murder pulled down

Graphic billboards depicting the murder of the Mahatma were pulled down on the afternoon of January 30 from three locations in Nagpur city

Sikhs, Muslims of Prayagraj welcome Kumbh pilgrims with shelter, food, and warmth

In the spirit of unity, a profound display of unity & compassion, prayers were offered at Daragh for the wellness of those injured in the Maha Kumbh stampede. Prof. V.K. Tripathi distributed fliers of love and peace at Kumbh Mela. In a heroic act, Farhan Alam saved the life of devotee Ram Shankar with CPR, Sikhs and Muslims selflessly served by providing food to Kumbh devotees, while Mosques opened for help: provided beds and blankets to 25,000, served food; said, 'Devotees Are Our Guests'

ASHA Union Demands Hike in NHM Funds in Union Budget 2025, Social Security Benefits

Piece-rated incentives, at around Rs 2,000/month, were last revised 10 years ago, says AWFFI in open letter to Health Minister J P Nadda.

Tapan K Bose: A life devoted to human rights, peace, and resistance

From fearless documentaries to activism across South Asia, Tapan Bose’s legacy as a champion of justice and self-determination will endure for generations