Indian Supreme Court Rejects Religious Discrimination Challenge To Election Law

The Times of India reports that on Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India decided Ewanlangki-e-Rymbai v. Jaintia Hills District Council. The decision upheld against constitutional attack a statutory provision that precludes Christians from contesting the results of any election to the post of Dolloi (headman) of the Jaintia Scheduled Tribe. Ewanlangki-e-Rymbai, a Christian, supported by the Elaka Jowai Secular Movement, claimed that the provision discriminated against him on the basis of religion. However, Justice Singh said: "The ground for exclusion of Christians is not solely on the ground of religion, but on account of the admitted fact that a Christian cannot perform the religious functions attached to the office of Dolloi."