Four Key Elements of Administration Crucial for Minority Rights, Says Adv. Isaac Mohanlal

Eluru, December 7, 2024 - Advocate Isaac Mohanlal, a senior Counsel of Madras High Court while addressing the Catholic Priests and Religious Lawyers of India in Eluru, AP, emphasized the importance of four key elements of administration in protecting minority rights. These elements, he explained, are crucial in ensuring that minority communities can establish and administer their own educational institutions.

The four elements, as outlined by Adv. Mohanlal, are:

- Permission: The government cannot deny permission for minority institutions to operate. If permission is rejected, the government must provide reasonable and sensible causes for doing so.

- Construction: The construction of minority institutions can be regulated by local laws, but arbitrary restrictions cannot be imposed.

- Recognition: The government must recognize minority institutions and provide them with the required assistance.

- Affiliation: Minority institutions have the right to seek affiliation from the government or recognized bodies for our institutions.

Adv. Mohanlal stressed that these four elements are essential for minority communities to exercise their rights and establish their own educational institutions. He also emphasized the importance of awareness and vigilance in protecting minority rights, noting that "a community that doesn't fight for its rights, will die." 

In a thought-provoking address during the Input Session, Advocate Isaac Mohanlal shed light on the significance of minority rights in India.

The Input session, moderated by Fr. Ravi Sagar, dwelt on the changing legal landscape of minority rights.

Mohanlal began by tracing the origin of minority rights, emphasizing that a nation's greatness is measured by its treatment of minority communities. He pointed out that the Indian Constitution does not explicitly define minorities, but acknowledges religious and linguistic communities that constitute less than 50% of a state's population.

The senior Counsel highlighted the historical context of minority rights in India, citing debates in the British Parliament and the struggles of minority communities. He noted that while the Constitution grants minority communities the right to establish and administer educational institutions, this right is often under threat from political leaders and bureaucrats.

Mohanlal emphasized the importance of awareness and vigilance in protecting minority rights. "We must fight for our rights," he stressed.

By Fr. Suresh Mathew