In a significant observation, the Allahabad High Court has voiced serious concerns about the ongoing practices at religious assemblies that facilitate conversions, cautioning that if unchecked, India’s majority population could become a minority. The Court has called for an immediate halt to such gatherings, stating they contravene the religious freedom granted under Article 25 of the Constitution. This article empowers individuals to practice, profess, and propagate their religion but does not sanction forcible conversions.
During the hearing of a bail application for Kailash from Maudaha, Hamirpur, accused of converting Hindus to Christianity, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal made stern remarks. The complainant, Ramkali Prajapati, reported that her mentally ill brother was taken to Delhi for a week under the pretext of treatment, promised to return, but was instead converted to Christianity at an event. The Court was informed that monetary incentives were allegedly provided for these conversions.
Justice Agrawal, referencing the constitution, reiterated that while the freedom to propagate religion is protected, it does not include a right to convert others through coercion or allurement. The allegations suggest that several villagers were converted under similar circumstances.
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The Court concluded that the constitutional freedom to choose a religion voluntarily does not extend to altering one’s religion through enticement, emphasizing that promoting one’s religion should not involve converting others.
