New Delhi’s Supreme Court has taken a decisive step by issuing notices to multiple states over their anti-conversion statutes, demanding replies in four weeks. This comes in response to a petition highlighting grave constitutional concerns.
Represented by the National Council of Churches in India, the plea seeks to strike down these laws across 12 states: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha. The core contention is that they trample on Article 25’s guarantee of religious freedom, alongside rights to equality and personal autonomy.
Petitioners emphasize misuse against vulnerable groups, with fabricated charges fueling persecution of Christians and others. They’ve requested an immediate stay on enforcement to prevent further abuse.
Notably, the court will consolidate this with earlier challenges pending since 2020, assigning a three-judge panel for in-depth scrutiny. The laws mandate pre-conversion approvals and punish alleged forced changes via allurements or deceit.
While proponents defend them as safeguards against exploitation, opponents decry them as discriminatory barriers to genuine faith transitions. This case underscores the tension between protecting citizens from coercion and preserving voluntary spiritual choices.
As hearings approach, stakeholders watch closely. A ruling could set precedents for state powers in religious matters, impacting India’s commitment to pluralism and human rights in an era of polarized politics.
