The Allahabad High Court has issued a stern warning regarding the ongoing unlawful conversions at religious gatherings, emphasizing the potential demographic impact on the majority population. The court’s observations came during a hearing concerning allegations of forced conversions in Hamirpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
The case involved accusations against Kailash, who allegedly transported villagers from Hamirpur to Delhi for a religious gathering aimed at converting them to Christianity. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, presiding over the case, denied the bail plea of Kashish under the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, as reported by Bar and Bench.
In its remarks, the court underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “If this process is allowed to be carried out, the majority population of this country would be in the minority one day. Such religious congregations where conversions are taking place must be immediately stopped.”
While hearing a case regarding unlawful conversion of religion, Allahabad High Court yesterday observed,”…If this process is allowed to be carried out, the majority population of this country would be in minority one day, and such religious congregation should be immediately…
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) July 2, 2024
The court highlighted the rampant nature of these activities across Uttar Pradesh, particularly targeting people from SC/ST castes and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. “It has come to the notice of this court in several cases that unlawful activity of conversion of people of SC/ST caste and other castes, including economically poor persons, into Christianity is being done at a rampant pace throughout Uttar Pradesh,” the bench noted, according to ANI.
The court also clarified the scope of Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. However, it stressed that this right does not extend to converting individuals from one religion to another. “The word ‘propagation’ means to promote, but it does not mean to convert any person from his religion to another religion,” the court elaborated.
This case serves as a critical reminder of the legal boundaries surrounding religious activities and the need for vigilance to prevent unlawful conversions. The Allahabad High Court’s ruling reinforces the importance of upholding constitutional provisions while protecting the demographic fabric of the nation.