Chikkamagaluru Court Upholds Right to Konkani Mass: 20-Year Dispute Enters Legal Arena
Chikkamagaluru :
In a significant development for language rights and religious freedom, a Chikkamagaluru court has ruled in favor of hearing a case demanding Konkani-language Mass in the local Catholic diocese, despite objections from Bishop Anthony Swamy Thomasappa.
The legal dispute marks a turning point in a 20-year-old conflict between diocesan authorities and lay believers seeking the right to worship in Konkani, the mother tongue of the majority in the region.
Constitutional Rights vs Canon Law
The Principal Civil Judge’s Court rejected Bishop Thomasappa’s plea that the issue lies solely within the Church’s internal religious jurisdiction under Canon Law. Instead, the court emphasized the constitutional right to religious expression and comprehension in one’s native language.
Lay Group Argues for Language Inclusion
The petition was filed by Sylvestar Saldanha, General Secretary of the Catholic Konkani Rakan Sanchalan. The group claims that over 65% of the diocese’s population are Konkani-speaking Catholics, yet Sunday Mass is held only in Kannada, the official state language of Karnataka.
“We’re not demanding liturgical reforms, just inclusion,” said a diocesan priest supporting the petition. “Even a separate time slot for Konkani Mass would suffice.”
Legal Precedent and Vernacular Rights
The court’s May 2 order, made public on May 12, upheld the right to worship in one’s own language, citing the importance of comprehension and participation in religious life. The judgment referenced provisions of the Indian Constitution protecting cultural and linguistic rights.
Notably, the Archdiocese of Bangalore already allows Konkani Masses, aligning with the Second Vatican Council’s endorsement of vernacular liturgy.
Bishop Reviewing Legal Options
Bishop Thomasappa’s counsel, Advocate V. T. Thomas, stated that the diocese is reviewing the court’s decision and will soon decide on its legal response.
The case has sparked wider interest among linguistic minorities within India’s Catholic community, highlighting the intersection of religious autonomy, language rights, and civil law.
