Strickter anti-conversion law introduced in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh further tightens its anti-conversion law and increases the possible penalties. In the state, ruled by the Hindu nationalist party, from now on, a life sentence can be given for forced conversion. This step frightens the local Christians, as the accusation of forced conversion is often used as a weapon against them, and many Christians are already in prison because of their faith.
Christians are worried as Uttar Pradesh tightens its anti-conversion law. The Indian state, ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), approved a stricter anti-conversion law and increased the penalty for forced and fraudulent conversion. From the maximum of ten years in prison, the highest punishment possible became a life sentence.
Local Christians are worried about the stricter regulations as accusations against them are frequently used for settling personal grudges, and accusations of forced conversion, even without any proof, are enough to end up in jail. The new regulations not only increased the penalty for forced conversion but widened the group of people who can file a complaint because of forced conversion. In the past, only the victim of forced conversion or a direct relative could file an official complaint, but according to the new regulation, any individual can file it. Furthermore, the new law complicated the bail process as well.
The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) released a statement, condemning the new anti-conversion law.
“We object to this law in so far as it violates the provisions of the Indian Constitution. Conversion itself is not an offence unless induced by undue influence, misrepresentation, or coercion, which only the victim can claim.”
They also raised their concerns about the future usage of the law, given the part where any individual can file a complaint. They are worried that it gives too much power to the hand of officials and third parties for the misuse of the law, settle personal grudges, and target innocent individuals. The statement says as well that the new law increases
“risk of heightened harassment and criminalization of peaceful religious practices, including baptism in Christianity.”
and creates
“an environment of mistrust and division, the law threatens to aggravate communal tensions and undermine India’s diverse religious harmony.”
The NCCI called on the government of Uttar Pradesh not to enact the law and rethink it in such a manner that upholds the religious freedom of every individual.
Source: Asia News
Photo: Wikimedia
