Now Reading: Naga tribe moves Gauhati High Court over Sumi-language Bible ban
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Naga tribe moves Gauhati High Court over Sumi-language Bible ban
A Naga tribe has petitioned the Gauhati High Court against a government move to ban a Sumi-language Bible. The court issued notices to the Union government, the Nagaland government, and the Bible…
The Story in Brief
A Naga tribe has petitioned the Gauhati High Court against a government move to ban a Sumi-language Bible. The court issued notices to the Union government, the Nagaland government, and the Bible Society of India (BSI), seeking their responses. The petition challenges a 2013 state circular that requires prior approval for all new Bible translations or revisions.
The tribal body argues the circular violates religious freedom and targets the Sumi community, which uses the disputed translation. The BSI has reportedly said it followed no law when translating the text. The court will next hear the case after the respondents file their replies.
The Indian Opinion
This case risks being framed as a religious-versus-secular clash. The real question is practical: does a 25-page booklet of 12 Sumi songs and prayers need prior approval, or is it a routine translation of existing scripture? Numbers matter. The BSI publishes in 125 languages; if every translation must clear new hurdles, mission work slows. Watch whether the court tests the 2013 circular against the right to propagate faith under Article 25.
Source: ndtv.com
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