The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing on petitions challenging anti-conversion laws enacted by states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, with CJI BR Gavai remarking, “It is not possible, I have to write judgments,” scheduling the matter for December.
Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced a new stringent law to combat illegal religious conversions, particularly targeting tribals. He proposed delisting converted tribals from the Scheduled Tribe category to prevent misuse of benefits. The government aims to strengthen existing laws, addressing societal concerns about forced conversions and benefits distribution.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the Waqf Amendment Act is meant to rectify irregularities in Waqf property management, not harm the Muslim community. He clarified that the central government does not unjustly seize properties and that the amendment respects tribal land protections. Ongoing Supreme Court hearings address various legal challenges to the Act.
The Supreme Court will take up multiple petitions concerning religious conversions on April 16. These pleas question the legality and implications of forced or fraudulent conversions across the country. The issue has sparked widespread debate over religious freedom and state regulations. The court’s hearing is expected to clarify the legal stance on the matter.
![[Vidhi Prakosth-Legal Cell] "Legal ways of achieving our goals": 30 Ex-Judges Of SC HC Attend Meet Organised By Vishwa Hindu Parishad](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-201.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Approximately 30 retired judges, including those from the Supreme Court, met under VHP’s legal cell to discuss temple disputes, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and religious conversions. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal attended, emphasizing its significance. This marks VHP’s first attempt at aligning judicial perspectives with their own, aiming to further their legal agendas.
The UP Legislative Assembly approved the “Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2024,” imposing life imprisonment for forced religious conversions and ‘love jihad.’ The amendments aim to combat coerced religious conversions, with increased penalties for specific offenses, including those involving minors, women, and marginalized communities, as well as receiving foreign funding for conversions.