New Delhi:  The Apex Court on Monday adjourned for July 15 the hearing of a plea alleging a growing number of attacks on Christian and priests and their institutions across the country.

Justice DY Chandrachud's bench announced that it would take up the case for hearing on Friday. An urgent listing of the plea was earlier requested by senior attorney Colin Gonsalves, who was representing the petitioner. "If what you are stating is true, it is unfortunate. We can make sure that your case is included on the actual reopening day, "The bench had observed.

Dr. Peter Machado, the archbishop of Bangalore Diocese, filed the petition in an effort to avoid violence and mob attacks against Christians in different states across the nation. He also asked that earlier apex court directives intended to reduce hate crimes be put into practise.

To register the  First Information Reports (FIRs), conduct criminal investigations, and prosecute criminal offenders in line with the law, the petition has requested the formation of Special Investigation Teams with officers from outside the States where the incidents took place. In cases where fake counter FIRs have been filed by the attackers against the victims, it further requested guidance on how the SITs should file closure reports in compliance with the law.

The petition has also sought implementation of the Tehseen Poonawala judgment's directives, which called for the appointment of nodal officials to monitor hate crimes and file FIRs across the country.

The Apex Court, in 2018, had issued a number  of guidelines for the Centre and State governments to control and prevent the rising number of hate crimes, including mob violence and lynching.

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