Identification of Minorities

Recently, the Union government told the Supreme Court that state governments can grant minority status to any religious or linguistic community, including Hindus.

The Supreme Court had sought the Union government’s response in a plea that sought directions for framing of guidelines identifying minorities at the state level.

Constitutional and Legal Aspect of Minorities

• The Constitution of India uses the word ‘minority’ or its plural form in some Articles – 29 to 30 and 350A to 350 B – but does not define it anywhere.
• Constitutional safeguards to minorities –
  • Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion ....