From Minority Rights to Freedom of Protest: AICU Says Justice Bhuyan’s Remarks Reaffirm the Constitutional Foundations of India
Catholic body says criminalising ordinary religious practices and peaceful protest threatens fundamental freedoms; urges judiciary to remain a strong guardian of constitutional rights
‘असहमति को देशद्रोह नहीं माना जा सकता’: मौलिक अधिकारों और शांतिपूर्ण विरोध पर जस्टिस भुइयां के रुख का AICU ने किया स्वागत
New Delhi, 02 August 2026: The All India Catholic Union (AICU) has welcomed Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan’s observations defending personal liberty, minority rights and peaceful dissent, describing them as a timely reaffirmation of constitutional principles amid concerns over the shrinking space for democratic expression.
The 107-year-old organisation, representing Catholic laity through 120 diocesan units across India, particularly welcomed Justice Bhuyan’s reference to the arrest and prolonged detention of young men who had eaten chicken biryani while breaking their Ramadan fast near the Ganga.
“There is no law prohibiting such consumption, and ordinary citizens spending three months in custody for an act that constitutes no offence should deeply concern every believer in constitutional democracy,” AICU Official Spokesperson John Dayal said, reflecting on Justice Bhuyan’s remarks.
Concerns Over Minorities and Criminal Law
The AICU alleged that Muslims and Christians have increasingly faced frivolous criminal cases over religious and cultural practices, particularly in BJP-governed Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
“When everyday expressions of faith become grounds for police action, the consequences extend beyond an individual case. They create fear among entire communities and weaken confidence in equal protection under law,” Dayal said.
The organisation alleged that selective enforcement, vigilante intimidation and misuse of criminal law have contributed to what it described as an atmosphere of “minority-phobia and majoritarian pressure.”
‘Dissent Cannot Be Treated as Disloyalty’
The AICU also endorsed Justice Bhuyan’s emphasis on peaceful protest and divergent opinion as essential elements of democracy. It expressed concern over students, environmental activists, workers and young people allegedly facing arrests, suspensions or criminal proceedings while raising issues concerning education, employment, wages, environment and social justice.
Referring to recent youth demonstrations, including at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the organisation condemned what it described as excessive use of force against protesters and also raised concerns over responses to agitations in Assam, West Bengal and Bihar.
“A constitutional democracy cannot flourish when disagreement is treated as disloyalty or peaceful citizens are viewed as threats to public order,” Dayal said. “Freedom of thought, expression and peaceful assembly are not privileges granted by governments. They are fundamental guarantees of the Republic.”
Judiciary’s Constitutional Role
The AICU stressed that courts have a critical responsibility to protect fundamental freedoms, particularly when citizens confront the power of the State. It welcomed Justice Bhuyan’s concerns over delayed bail and restrictive conditions that could discourage people from exercising constitutional rights.
The organisation, however, described some recent observations attributed to the Chief Justice as “deeply disconcerting,” while expressing hope that the higher judiciary would continue to speak firmly and independently in defence of constitutional liberties.
“Justice Bhuyan’s intervention carries a message of hope: constitutional rights must have meaning in the everyday lives of citizens, especially minorities, students, workers and those who peacefully question authority,” Dayal said.
