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Can someone stop a forced religious conversion through legal means?

Posted by jobseeker Krish Chandna | Approved
Answers (1)

Yes, legal recourse is available to stop forced religious conversion. Several laws and legal provisions address this issue, primarily focusing on preventing coercion, fraud, and undue influence in religious conversions. Individuals facing forced conversion can seek legal intervention to protect their right to freedom of religion and conscience.

Legal Framework and Provisions:
Anti-Conversion Laws:
Many Indian states have enacted or are enacting laws to regulate religious conversions, aiming to prevent forced conversions, conversions through fraudulent means, or those involving inducements. These laws often require individuals to notify authorities before converting and may impose penalties for unlawful conversions.

Constitutional Rights:
The Indian Constitution, particularly Article 25, guarantees the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion. However, this freedom is subject to public order, morality, and health. The Supreme Court has emphasized that while individuals have the right to choose their religion, this right does not extend to forced conversions or conversions through inducements.

Protection Against Coercion:
Laws and legal precedents aim to protect individuals from forced conversions, which can involve threats, violence, or other forms of coercion.

Protection Against Fraud and Allurement:
Anti-conversion laws also address conversions based on false promises, misrepresentation, or inducements, such as marriage, money, or jobs.

Filing Complaints:
Individuals can file complaints with authorities or in court if they believe they have been subjected to forced or fraudulent religious conversion.
Seeking Legal Remedies:
Victims of forced conversion can seek legal remedies, including injunctions to prevent further coercion and legal action against those responsible.
Examples of Legal Action:
State-Level Legislation:
Several states have enacted laws like the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, which prohibits forced conversions and prescribes penalties for offenders.
Supreme Court Directives:
The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the issue of forced conversions and directed the Union government to clarify its stance and steps to curb such practices.
High Court Decisions:
High Courts have also addressed the issue of forced conversions, emphasizing that the Constitution does not support forced or fraudulent conversions.
In essence, while the right to religious freedom is a fundamental right, the law provides recourse against its misuse through forced conversion.

Answered by jobseeker Chanchal Bhati | Approved

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