Rajasthan Govt Informs SC of Planned Legislation Against Unlawful Religious Conversion

The Rajasthan government informed the Supreme Court that it is currently in the process of introducing legislation to prohibit religious conversion through unlawful means within the state.

“The state of Rajasthan is in the process of enacting its own legislation, and until such legislation is enacted, it will strictly adhere to the laws, guidelines, or directions issued by this Hon’ble court on the subject,” stated the state government in its affidavit filed before the apex court.

The affidavit, submitted by Additional Superintendent of Police Bharat Lal Meena, pertained to a 2022 PIL. Lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, represented by advocate Ashwani Dubey, had filed the PIL requesting directions to both the Centre and state governments to take stringent measures to curb fraudulent religious conversions, particularly those carried out through intimidation, coercion, deceitful allurements of gifts, and financial benefits.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had expressed concern over forced religious conversions, noting them as a significant issue that could potentially impact national security, and had sought a response from the Centre.

Subsequently, the apex court amended the case’s title from ‘Ashwini Upadhyay Vs State’ to “In Re: The Issue Of Religious Conversion,” reportedly in response to alleged derogatory remarks against a minority community contained in the petition.

The bench is also currently considering various petitions challenging anti-conversion laws in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and others, on allegations of discriminatory practices against specific minority communities.

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