The Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court has issued notice to the Union of India, the Government of Nagaland, the Bible Society of India (BSI), and other respondents on a writ petition concerning the “Sumi Naga Re-edited 2025” version of the Holy Bible.
After hearing Advocates Alok Shankar and Sourjya Das, who represented 1,065 petitioners, all belonging to the Sumi Naga community, Justice Anjan Moni Kalita passed an order in the writ petition. The petitioners have invoked Articles 25 and 29 of the Constitution, alleging that the translated edition contains theological and grammatical distortions that have caused confusion, misunderstanding, and disturbance within the community.
According to the petitioners, the Bible Society stopped further publication following multiple representations. They contend, however, that copies already circulated, numbering 55,000, continue to create uncertainty regarding the edition’s status. The petition therefore seeks administrative and regulatory measures to ensure that accurate information reaches churches, religious institutions, educational bodies, and members of the Sumi Naga community.
The petitioners have also sought a direction requiring the Bible Society to prominently announce on its official website and public platforms that it has discontinued, and will refrain from, further publication, printing, reproduction, circulation, or distribution of the edition.
The next date of hearing has been fixed for September 7.