Charity and conversion 

Conversion has always created controversies and conflicts. Taking advantage of the poverty and social insecurity of some communities, largescale conversions have already been executed. However, such mass conversions led to widespread opposition and clashes. Everyone is born in different religions. However, if a person feels to change his religion after becoming a major, he is free to do so according to his own will. Meantime, mass conversions through force or any kind of temptations must be stopped.

Activities that provide food and shelter to the needy are generally called charity services. All religious groups including orphanages are running such activities. However, under the guise of this, there are also groups trying to convert by seeking foreign aid and so on. The Supreme Court has warned against this. The court has pointed that conversion should not be done under the guise of charity service. A bench led by Justices M R Shah and C T Ravikumar said that all charitable services are welcomed but the purpose of this should be examined. Those who want to help someone in particular can do so, donation is a good thing, but the goal should not be conversion. The court also pointed out that no one has the authority to convert through threats and pressure. Such conversions are a serious issue and are against the basic structure of the Constitution of India.

The court made these observations while hearing arguments on the plea seeking a law to prevent forced conversion. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the central government is collecting information from various states regarding forced conversion. The Solicitor General told the court that although there is a strict law against conversion in Gujarat, the Supreme Court has stayed some of the provisions and a plea for special permission against it is under the consideration of the court. The court has directed the center to file a detailed affidavit after collecting clear information on anti-conversion laws and other procedures.

General guidelines to be followed in the laws framed by various states regarding the prevention of conversion can be expected from the Supreme Court itself.