Mokokchung, August 29 (MTNews):The Supreme Court had previously indicated its concern with the Centre’s differing positions on the matter of minority identification, including Hindus, at the state level and asked it to undertake consultations with states on the issue within three months.
In previous sessions, the Centre assured the Supreme Court that the Union government had the authority to notify minorities and that any decision in this regard will be made after consultation with states and other stakeholders.
In March, the centre stated that it was up to the states and Union Territories (UTs) to decide whether or not to grant minority status to Hindus and other minority communities.
The apex court had earlier granted time to the Centre to respond to a plea seeking directions for framing guidelines for identification of minorities at the state level, contending that Hindus are in minority in 10 states.
However, on Monday, the Centre has sought more time from the Supreme Court to hold meetings with states and Union Territories on the issue of identification of religious minorities, including Hindus, at the state level.
In response to a plea filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who had challenged the validity of section 2(f) of the National Commission for Minority Education Institution Act, 2004, alleging that it gives unbridled power to the Centre and termed it “manifestly arbitrary, irrational, and offending,” the Ministry of Minority Affairs said comments/views of the state governments including those of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir have not been received as on date.
“A reminder was sent to these states requesting them to furnish their comments/views. Further, comments of states of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are also awaited,” the ministry said. In these states, the issue may have wider ramifications. The Ministry proposes to hold meetings in the ensuing weeks with the remaining State Governments/Union territories in order to have their views on the matter also.
“That in view of the position stated above, it is humbly submitted that this Hon’ble Court may kindly consider to defer the hearing and allow more time for holding meetings with other State Governments/Union Territories, and also to enable the State Governments/Union Territories and stakeholders with whom the consultative meetings have already been held, to finalise their considered views in the matter,” the ministry said.
The apex court is scheduled to hear the PIL, filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey, on Tuesday.