Introduction
The Allahabad High Court expressed concerns over the rising trend of religious conversions in India, emphasizing that unchecked conversions could lead to the majority Hindu population becoming a minority. The court dismissed a bail plea in a case involving alleged forced conversions to Christianity.
Background
- Accused: Kailash, a resident of Maudaha in Hamirpur district.
- Allegations: Kailash is accused of converting a group of Hindus to Christianity during a religious congregation in Delhi.
- FIR Filed by: Ramkali Prajapati, claiming Kailash took his mentally ill brother to Delhi for treatment but instead got him and others converted to Christianity.
Key Points
- The court observed that if religious conversions during congregations continued, the majority Hindu population might become a minority.
- Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal emphasized the need to stop such gatherings where conversions are taking place.
- The court linked these activities to violations of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to religious freedom.
Legal Provisions
Law | Description |
Article 25 of the Constitution | Guarantees the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. |
Section 153A, IPC | Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc. |
Section 295A, IPC | Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs. |
Section 295B, IPC | Injuring or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class. |
Impact
- The High Court’s decision to deny bail to Kailash underscores the judiciary’s stance on preventing forced conversions.
- The ruling aims to protect the religious freedom of individuals while ensuring that propagation does not equate to coercion or inducement for conversion.
- It highlights the need for stricter enforcement of laws related to religious conversions to maintain social harmony.
Conclusion
The Allahabad High Court’s decision reflects a stringent approach towards forced religious conversions, emphasizing the need to uphold the constitutional right to religious freedom without coercion. The ruling aims to prevent potential demographic changes due to forced conversions and maintain societal balance.
SOURCE – INDIA TODAY
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