Kohima: The Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court moved against the Bible Society of India. Justice Anjan Moni Kalita issued notices to the Union Government, the Nagaland government, and the Bible Society after admitting a petition from 1,065 Sumi Naga community members. Lawyers Alok Shankar and Sourjya Das represent the group. The case goes back to court on September 7.
The dispute targets the Sumi Naga Re-edited 2025 version of the Bible. Petitioners claim the book holds theological and grammatical distortions. They argue this creates division and confusion among churches, schools, and local members. The filing invokes constitutional protections for religious and cultural rights under Articles 25 and 29. The petition states the text caused "theological and grammatical distortions" that now plague the community.
The Bible Society of India stopped new printing after hearing complaints. However, 55,000 copies remain in circulation. Petitioners want a public declaration on the Society website confirming the end of all publication and distribution. They demand certainty for their institutions as current ambiguity persists.
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