Lawyers’ Forum Flags Threats to Religious Freedom and Rights of Marginalised Communities

JALANDHAR, October 24, 2026: A national forum of lawyers from religious congregations and the clergy has called for stronger protection of constitutional rights, electoral integrity and religious freedom, while expressing concern over the arrests of two community leaders in Odisha amid protests against bauxite mining.

In a resolution adopted at its three-day General Body Meeting at Trinity College Campus, Jalandhar, the National Lawyers Forum of Religious and Priests (NLFRP) called for greater accountability by government institutions and safeguards against the alleged misuse of laws targeting religious minorities and marginalised communities.

The meeting, held from October 22 to 24 under the theme Evolving Role of the NLFRP in Nation Building, brought together around 150 lawyers. The forum reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional values, human dignity and the protection of fundamental rights.

On electoral reforms, the forum urged the Election Commission of India to ensure that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is conducted transparently and without discrimination. It warned against the exclusion of eligible voters through administrative errors or procedural shortcomings and called for accessible verification mechanisms and effective remedies for those wrongly removed from electoral rolls.

The forum said the right to vote under Article 326 of the Constitution must be protected and that disenfranchisement should not become normalised in a constitutional democracy.

Expressing concern over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act Amendment Bill, 2026, and certain state-level freedom of religion laws, the NLFRP said their provisions and implementation could adversely affect religious freedom and the educational, healthcare and charitable activities of minority institutions and civil society organisations.

It maintained that allegations of forced religious conversion must be supported by credible evidence and examined through fair legal procedures. The forum also sought public accountability regarding proceedings initiated by the Supreme Court in 2022, when the Union government and several state governments were asked to respond to allegations of forced conversions.

It stressed that legislation and its implementation must comply with Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution and the principles of natural justice.

The resolution expressed particular concern over the arrests of Randall Sequeira, associated with the Movement for Freedom of Christians, and Laxman Naik, a Dalit leader associated with the Maa Mati Mali Surakhya Manch, in Odisha.

According to information cited by the forum, the two were taken from their residence in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi district, at around 11 pm on October 16 and subsequently produced before a court in Rayagada. They face charges including attempt to murder, dacoity, rioting and offences under the Arms Act. Their bail applications have reportedly been rejected, and they remain lodged in Rayagada Sub-Jail.

The forum raised concerns over allegations that the grounds of arrest and relevant documents were not properly furnished and that access to lawyers and family members was delayed. It said these allegations warranted scrutiny in light of the safeguards under Article 22 of the Constitution and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

It also referred to reports linking the arrests to opposition by local communities to bauxite mining in the Sijimali and Kutrumali hills. Reports of community leaders being arrested in fresh cases after securing bail were also cited.

The NLFRP called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances of the arrests, adherence to due process and timely consideration of bail applications. It stressed that the presumption of innocence must be respected and that peaceful protest against development projects should not invite punitive action.

Extending its concerns to the wider situation of Adivasi and Dalit communities, the forum said their rights over land, livelihoods, natural resources and cultural identity must be protected. It called on authorities to ensure that mining and other development projects comply with environmental laws, forest-rights legislation and statutory consultation requirements, including Gram Sabha consent wherever mandated.

The forum also urged authorities to prevent unlawful detention and withdraw proceedings found to be malicious or legally unsustainable in accordance with the law.

As part of its response, the NLFRP resolved to strengthen its legal cells and legal-aid networks in collaboration with the CBCI Office for Justice, Peace and Development and state-level lawyers' forums. The initiative aims to provide legal assistance to vulnerable individuals and communities, monitor violations of constitutional rights and improve access to justice for those unable to afford legal representation.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional democracy, the forum said electoral integrity, religious freedom and the rights of vulnerable communities were essential to a just society. It maintained that development could not be considered equitable if it came at the cost of people's constitutional rights.

The resolution concluded with a commitment by the forum's members to defend the Constitution and work towards ensuring equality, liberty, justice and dignity for every citizen, irrespective of religion, caste or social standing.

By Catholic Connect Reporter