In the Process of Making Anti-Conversion Law, Rajasthan Govt Tells SC

The government of Rajasthan notified the Supreme Court on Tuesday that it is currently working on laws to stop people in the state from converting to another religion through illegal ways.

In an affidavit provided by Additional Superintendent of Police Bharat Lal Meena, the state administration told the court that it will follow present laws and any Supreme Court guidelines or directions until new legislation is adopted.

"The state of Rajasthan is in the process of bringing its own legislation and till such time, it will strictly abide by the law on the subject, guidelines or the directions passed by this Hon'ble court," said the affidavit.

The affidavit was submitted in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2022 by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, who was represented by advocate Ashwani Dubey. The PIL demanded strict action to stop the practice of fraudulent religious conversions that are carried out by threats, intimidation, deceptive luring, or the offering of gifts and monetary benefits.

Forced religious conversions have already drawn the attention of the Supreme Court, describing them as a "serious issue" that might affect national security.