Legal protection vs. ground reality: The plight of religious minorities in India
- Social Action: A Quarterly Review of Social Trends
- 75(2), Apr-Jun, 2025: p.119-132
India, a secular nation, is bound by a constitution that guarantees equal rights and protection to all its citizens, irrespective of their religion. Despite these constitutional protections, religious minorities in India continue to face discrimination, exclusion, and violence. This paper examines the gap between the legal protections enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the everyday struggles of religious minorities, focusing on issues such as violence, discrimination, and the erosion of secularism. By exploring the challenges faced by religious minorities, the role of political parties, and the gap in implementation, this study aims to provide insights into potential solutions for bridging this gap and ensuring equality and justice for all citizens. – Reproduced