If conversions continue, India’s majority population will become a minority : Allahabad HC

• Orders to ban religious gatherings where conversions occur

• Dismisses bail petition of a Christian who converted Hindus

Lucknow – Allahabad High Court has strongly criticised religious conversions. The Court stated, “In Uttar Pradesh, innocent poor people are being misled and converted to Christianity. If such conversions continue, one day the majority population in India will become a minority.” Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal also ordered an immediate ban on religious gatherings that promote conversions, emphasising that “Such incidents are against the Constitution.” A Christian named Kailash had converted a Hindu individual in Uttar Pradesh, leading to his arrest. His bail hearing is ongoing in the High Court. “The charges against Kailash are serious. In such a situation, he cannot be released on bail,” said the Court, rejecting his bail plea.

Key comments by the Court on conversions

1. Article 25 of the Constitution allows for the propagation of religion but not for conversions.

2. It has come to light that innocent poor people in Uttar Pradesh are being misled and converted to Christianity through religious gatherings.

Background of the case

Ramkali Prajapati from Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh, had lodged a complaint stating, “My brother was mentally ill. A young man named Kailash took him to Delhi for a week, claiming he would treat him and bring him back. But even after a week, he did not return. After several days, Kailash brought my brother back and then took him along with many other villagers to Delhi again. At an event there, they all converted to Christianity and were given money in return.”

Increase in conversion cases in Uttar Pradesh

National Security Act (NSA) applied against a maulana converting deaf and mute children in Uttar Pradesh

Two years ago, a case of conversion of deaf and mute children had come to light. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had arrested Maulana Umar and Jahangir in this case. Following this, CM Yogi Adityanath had issued strict orders stating that anyone involved in such acts should be charged under the NSA and the Gangster Act. Their properties should also be confiscated. Every aspect should be investigated in detail.

In Uttar Pradesh, 400 people together had filed a complaint against Christians

On 28th October 2022, a major case of conversion came to light in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Approximately 400 residents from the Mangat Puram Colony went to the Superintendent of Police’s office, complaining that they were being forced to convert to Christianity. According to their complaint, “During the lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Christians helped the residents of the colony and are now pressuring them to convert. They are also preventing Hindus in the colony from visiting temples and performing puja. Pictures of Hindu Deities have been removed from many homes.”. In this matter, the Police had registered a case against nine people.

Editorial Perspectives

Due to the firm stance taken by the Allahabad High Court, it is expected that the conversion of Hindus will be curbed.

The Government should now implement an anti-conversion law in the country to reassure Hindus.