Forced religious conversion is a “very serious issue” which may affect the security of the nation as well as freedom of citizens, the Supreme Court observed on Monday as it asked the Centre to make its stand clear on what steps it can take to curb the menace.
A bench of Justices M.R. Shah and Hima Kohli was hearing a petition filed by advocate and BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking direction to the Union and state governments to take steps to prevent black magic, superstition and forceful religious conversion.
“The issue with respect to alleged conversion of religion, if it is found to be correct and true, is a very serious issue which may ultimately affect the security of the nation as well as the freedom of religion and conscience of the citizens. Therefore, it is better that Union government may make their stand clear and file counter on what further steps can be taken by Union and/or others to curb such forced conversation maybe by force, allurement or fraudulent means,” the top court said.
“Where is your stand by way of counter? Very serious and sincere efforts are to be made,” Justice Shah told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre. Mehta admitted that religious conversion is rampant in tribal areas where people are lured by being given rice and wheat. The Centre’s response on the issue will be filed by Monday, he added.
The court observed that there may be a freedom of religion, but no freedom on forced conversion. It told Centre to take steps to stop such forceful conversion before the situation becomes difficult.
“What steps are taken by the Union, otherwise it is very difficult… Make your stand very clear, what action you propose to take. Conversion is legal under the Constitution, but not forcible conversion,” it said.
During the hearing, Mehta pointed out that both Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have brought in legislation to prevent forceful religious conversion and the validity of these Acts have been upheld by the apex court. The bench scheduled the matter for further hearing on November 28 and asked the Centre to file its response before November 22.
