On July 24, 2026, a large gathering of prominent Indian Muslims from across the country and from every walk of life met at the Constitution Club of India. The meeting brought together people who have rarely shared the same platform – religious scholars, former judges, politicians, business leaders, social workers, academics and intellectuals. The very fact that such diverse sections of the Muslim community came together reflects the depth of concern and anxiety felt by many.The gathering passed a series of resolutions and addressed representations to the president of India and the chief justice of India, urging them to take cognisance of what they believe are grave injustices faced by sections of the community. They also resolved to visit states such as Uttarakhand, Assam and Uttar Pradesh to engage with citizens and better understand the situation on the ground.Their concerns were not directed only at the ruling party or the government. They also questioned political parties that describe themselves as secular, asking why many issues affecting the Muslim community have not been forcefully raised in the parliament or pursued with consistency. Among the concerns expressed were allegations of demolitions of homes, mosques and madrasas without due process, deletion of voters’ names from electoral rolls on the allegation of being “ghuspetias” (illegal immigrants) and a growing perception of being treated as second-class citizens.The cost of wrongful incarcerationAnother issue that deserves serious reflection is the criminal justice process. There have been cases where individuals accused of terrorism have spent ten or even 12 years in prison before being acquitted by the courts because the prosecution failed to prove its case.Whenever an innocent person loses a decade of their life behind bars, it is not enough to celebrate the acquittal. There must also be accountability.Should the performance of law enforcement agencies be measured merely by the number of arrests they make or by the quality of investigations and convictions they secure? If courts repeatedly find insufficient evidence after years of incarceration, should there not be a mechanism to examine whether investigative failures or wrongful arrests occurred?Demand for equality, not privilegeThe demand made on July 24 was not for any special privilege. It was a demand for equal treatment under the constitution of India. It was an appeal to constitutional authorities to ensure that every citizen, irrespective of religion, enjoys the same protection of law and the same dignity guaranteed by the constitution.Is such an appeal anti-national? I do not believe so. Seeking justice through constitutional institutions is the very essence of democratic citizenship. Those who organised this initiative deserve credit for choosing peaceful, constitutional means to voice their grievances.Also read: Anti-Muslim Politics Has Became Central to the Modi EraUnfortunately, because of other major events dominating the news cycle, this meeting received relatively little public attention. Yet July 24 may, in hindsight, prove to be an important date. It marked a moment when a significant section of the Muslim community collectively appealed to the country’s highest constitutional authorities and to political parties to hear their concerns before alienation deepens.For many Muslims, these anxieties have accumulated over several years. Patience should not be mistaken for weakness, nor silence for acceptance. Equally, any response to perceived injustice must remain peaceful and firmly within the framework of the constitution.India’s civilisation has always drawn strength from its diversity. Through different periods of history, people of different faiths have lived together, debated, disagreed and contributed to a shared civilisation. Independent India, guided by its constitution, promised equality before the law to every citizen. That promise must remain non-negotiable.The overwhelming majority of Indian Muslims have never had a problem living alongside their Hindu fellow citizens. India’s strength has always rested on this shared coexistence. However, many are deeply uncomfortable with any politics that appears to define national unity primarily in opposition to one religious community. Such an approach harms not only Muslims but the very idea of India.An appealThis is not a warning. It is an appeal – to those in government, to the opposition, to the judiciary, to the media, to civil society and to ordinary citizens. Uphold the constitution. Speak against injustice wherever it occurs. Let the parliament debate genuine grievances. Give every citizen confidence that someone is listening.Also read: The Many Crises of Indian MuslimsLeadership is tested not by speaking for those who already agree with us, but by standing up for those who feel unheard. The opposition must fulfil its constitutional role. Intellectuals, jurists and public figures must show moral courage. Administrators must ensure that the law is applied fairly and without discrimination.No nation can realise its full potential if deep divisions are allowed to harden within society. A democracy flourishes when every citizen feels equally protected, equally respected and equally invested in the country’s future.India belongs to all Indians. We are one people with many faiths. Our constitution provides the path forward. Let wisdom prevail before distrust becomes more difficult to heal.Saeed Shervani is a former president of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and a veteran hotelier.