Forced religious conversion a "very serious" matter, warns Supreme Court

Terming forced religious conversion a “very serious” issue, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to step in and make sincere efforts to check the practice.

It also warned a “very difficult situation” will emerge if forced religious conversions are not stopped.

A bench of Justices M R Shah and Hima Kohli asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to enumerate measures to curb the practice through allurement.

Also read: Delhi minister Rajendra Pal Gautam resigns over religious conversion event

‘Centre should step in’

“This is a very serious matter. Sincere efforts are to be made by the Centre to stop forced conversions. Otherwise very difficult situation will come. Tell us what action do you propose…You have to step in.

‘Affects nation’s security’

“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,” the bench said.

Also read: SC notice to Centre on plea seeking action against forced religious conversion

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking direction to the Centre and states to take stringent steps to control fraudulent religious conversion by “intimidation, threatening, deceivingly luring through gifts and monetary benefits”.

(With Agency inputs)