Govt to reconsider minority tag for Hindus in some states

New Delhi: The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court that the Union government has the power vested to notify minorities and any decision in this regard will be taken after discussion with states and other stakeholders.

In a fresh affidavit, the Ministry said the Central government has notified six communities as minority communities under section 2C of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.

The affidavit filed on a plea of advocate Ashwini Upadhyay stated that the question involved in the writ petition has far-reaching ramifications throughout the country and therefore any stand taken without detailed deliberations with the stakeholders may result in an unintended complication for the country.

It added, "Though the power is vested with the Central government to notify minorities, the stand to be formulated by the Central government with regard to issues raised in this group of petitions will be finalised after having a wide consultation with the state governments and other stakeholders. This will ensure that the central government is able to place a considered view before this court taking into consideration several sociological, and other aspects obviating any unintended complications in the future concerning such a vital issue."

The Supreme Court had earlier granted four weeks to the Centre to respond to a plea, which has sought directions for framing of guidelines for the identification of minorities at the state level, contending that Hindus are in minority in 10 states.

The ministry said this will ensure that the central government is able to place a considered view before the top court taking into consideration several social, logical, and other aspects obviating any unintended complications in the future concerning such a vital issue.

The Supreme Court has posted the matter for hearing today (May 10) and asked the Union of India to place its stand on record on a plea filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay.