The Tripura High Court recently criticized some Chakma community organizations for reportedly advocating a social ostracism of a Chakma man (the petitioner) and his family members who had embraced Christianity.

Justice Arindham Lodhi underscored that India is a secular nation, and every citizen has the fundamental right to promote, practice, and choose their religion.

"The individuals associated with Chakma committees, who were involved in the boycott, are in contravention of the Indian Constitution. They are attempting to encroach upon the fundamental rights of Indian citizens. Members of the Chakma community should be aware that India is a secular nation where everyone possesses the fundamental right to preach, practice, and select their own religion. No one can infringe upon a citizen's right in this regard," stated the Court.

The Court subsequently directed the State authorities to take appropriate actions to halt the religious persecution of the petitioner and his family. They were instructed not to hesitate in apprehending any individual found in violation of the Indian Constitution.

The order stated, "The respondents are instructed to take strong measures against those individuals who identify as Samajpatis or self-appointed leaders and the Chakma community members who engage in such unconstitutional actions. The State Administration should not hesitate to apprehend any member of any community involved in unlawful activities or violating the provisions of the Indian Constitution."

The petitioner in the court case had leveled accusations against two committees, specifically the Uttar Andharcharra Chakma Social Justice Committee and the Kanchancherra Chakma Social Custom Council, along with their respective members. The petitioner alleged that these committees had expelled him and his family from the community due to his conversion to Christianity in 2022. He claimed that he was branded as anti-social and effectively ostracized from the Chakma community. Additionally, he was cautioned against interacting with other Chakma members, while the community was instructed to isolate him and his family.

The committees reportedly also cautioned community members against using the petitioner's auto-rickshaw services, as he worked as an auto-rickshaw driver.

The petitioner's legal representative contended that these committees were involved in illicit actions that ran counter to the tenets of the Constitution of India and the Chakma Customary Laws Code of 1997, which are generally followed by members of the Chakma community in Tripura.

Considering the presented arguments, the Court instructed the committee members to provide an explanation for their purported behavior. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on November 29, 2023, by which time the State authorities are anticipated to submit a report on the actions taken in response to the situation.