NEW DELHI: In a major development, the Supreme Court on Monday termed forced religious conversion as a 'very serious matter' and asked the Centre to take steps for curbing the practice.
The Apex Court further taking note of the seriousness of the practice said that it can affect national security, religious freedom and freedom of conscience in the country. It asked the Centre to file an affidavit suggesting the steps to be taken to curtail such conversions.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking the Apex Court's intervention to initiate strict steps for control forced and fraudulent religious conversions by intimidating them or by luring them through gifts and monetary benefits.
The bench comprising Justices MR Shah and Hima Kohli took serious note of the matter and said that if proselytisation activities are not stopped, it will pose as a threat even to a citizen's fundamental right apart from others.
"Forceful conversion can also affect the security of the nation. It is thus better if the Centre makes its stand clear as to what steps it is taking to stop forced conversions," stated the bench.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing on behalf of the Centre assured the Court that the situation is known to the Government.
The Apex Court while noting that religious conversion is legal under the Constitution of India but not forceful ones, asked the Centre to clarify on the steps it wishes to take to curtail the practice.
The bench said, "It is a very serious issue which affects security of the nation and freedom of religion and conscience. Therefore, it is better that Union of India may make their stand clear and file counter on what further steps can be taken to curb such forced conversion."
Meanwhile, the Government has been asked to file its response in the case by November 22. The next hearing on the case is scheduled to be on November 28.
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