Supreme Court Dismisses Plea for Protection of Hindus in Bangladesh
The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking intervention for the protection of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The petition, filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, urged the Indian government to engage diplomatically with Bangladesh to safeguard its Hindu population from alleged persecution.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court made it clear that it has no jurisdiction over the internal matters of another sovereign nation. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated, “How can we pass directions to a sovereign government of another country? It is not for us at all.” The bench emphasized that matters concerning foreign policy fall within the domain of the executive branch, specifically the Ministry of External Affairs, and not the judiciary.
The petitioner had argued that the Hindu community in Bangladesh has been facing religious persecution and that India, given its historical and cultural ties, should take diplomatic steps to ensure their safety. However, the court reiterated that while human rights concerns are significant, judicial intervention is not the appropriate channel for such matters. Instead, any action on international affairs should be pursued through diplomatic dialogue and government-led initiatives.
This ruling underscores the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries and reaffirms the judiciary’s limitations in foreign policy matters. The court’s decision aligns with the broader framework that international relations are best handled by the executive, which has the constitutional mandate and expertise to address such concerns through appropriate diplomatic means.
