New Delhi, Feb 2 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday set the stage for a crucial examination of anti-conversion laws enacted by various states, ordering that a three-judge bench will decide their constitutional validity.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, while hearing a petition filed by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), noted that the apex court is already seized of multiple challenges to religious conversion laws passed by several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Taking note of the wide ramifications of the issue and the common questions of law involved, the court directed that the matter be placed before a three-judge bench, signalling a comprehensive judicial scrutiny of the legislation aimed at curbing alleged forced religious conversions.
The court issued notice on the plea challenging the conversion laws across different states and directed the respondents to file a common counter affidavit within four weeks. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the central government’s response is ready and will be filed shortly.
Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora appeared on behalf of the petitioner, contending that the laws have led to misuse and infringement of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Last year, the Supreme Court had transferred to itself similar petitions pending before various High Courts to ensure uniform adjudication. In 2021, the court had also allowed Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind to intervene in one of the matters following allegations that anti-conversion laws were being invoked to harass members of minority communities.
