Christian council cheerful after legal victory in Karnataka

The All India Christian Council (aicc) expressed satisfaction over the ruling of the Karnataka High Court that ordered compensation to churches damaged in the communal violence in the state. It also ordered the re-opening of closed churches.

"Twelve churches that were closed are opened now. All the cases lodged falsely against pastors were withdrawn with immediate effect due to the court verdict," aicc said adding, "during the court proceedings, the public prosecutor committed to give better protection to Christians and the minorities in Karnataka state."

The state was rocked by a communal violence after RSS, and Bajrang Dal went on a spree, injuring Christians and burning Churches. Several pastors were arrested on false charges of conversions.

"In a democratic country, no one has power to stop any one worshiping according to one's own faith. One's faith can be a church or any other worship centre" the high court of Karnataka is quoted to have said.

Responding to the petition filed by Christians, the Karnataka state government on Wednesday informed the High Court that, it would protect the rights of all citizens in the state, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.