In sociological context, the term minority is not only related to numerical distinction, but it involves such group which are disadvantaged in any manner. Therefore, minority means relatively small and disadvantaged group. The people, who any how qualify to be in minority group but are extremely wealthy, are referred as privileged minority.

The religious and cultural minority groups need special protection due to following reasons -

a) The demographic dominance of majority

b) Fear of the risk of abandon of their identity. They fear that if the political power will be in hand of majority community they will use it to suppress their religious or cultural Institution.