Photo: Wikimedia / Subhashish Panigrahi (cc)
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a series of petitions challenging the constitutionality of anti-conversion laws enacted by several of the country's states. On September 16th, the court issued notices to the respective state governments, requesting their formal responses within four weeks. The case is scheduled to be heard in six weeks, and the judges have indicated that they may consider ordering the states to pause the enforcement of their existing laws until a decision is made.
The petitions, which have been filed by various organizations, argue that the anti-conversion laws are being weaponized against religious minorities in India. Petitioners further assert that the legislation enables false accusations – often without supporting evidence – under the guise of preventing forced religious conversions. There is a total of 13 applicants associated with the submitted petitions.
During the initial hearing, a lawyer representing Citizens for Justice and Peace urged the court to expedite the matter, citing recent amendments in at least two states that have made the laws more stringent. Legislators in these states have openly stated that the amendments aim to prevent all religious conversions, not just those deemed coercive or fraudulent. More information on these legislative changes may be reviewed at our country report.
- Pray for wisdom, clarity and courage on behalf of the petitioners and their legal teams as they present their arguments before India's Supreme Court in the coming weeks.
- Prayerfully ask the Lord to grant the judges discernment as they consider the constitutional implications of these harmful anti-conversion laws, so that truth and justice will prevail both in and out of the court room.
- May the ongoing legal process not incite any hostility or violence from those who are opposed to the petitions and, ultimately, may peace and tolerance reign throughout this South Asian nation.
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