Forced conversion: SC asks Centre to submit report on steps taken by states

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has directed the central government to collect the steps taken so far by each state regarding forced conversions and submit it as a report. The apex court gave the direction while considering a petition filed by BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking to prevent forced religious conversion. The next hearing in the case has been postponed to December 5.

In an affidavit filed by Union Home Ministry Deputy Secretary P Venukuttan Nair, it has been stated that forced religious conversion cannot be done using the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution. Legislation is needed to prevent forced conversion. The central government has clarified that freedom of religion cannot be used to convert a person through threats, deception and temptation. Nine states have already enacted laws to prevent forced conversions. The affidavit also states that the Supreme Court itself has ruled that these laws are constitutionally valid.