Karnataka to Scrap Anti-Conversion Law; B’luru Archbishop Welcomes Move

Verghese V Joseph –

In a significant development, the Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided to repeal the anti-conversion law that was hurriedly introduced by the previous BJP government.

“The Bill brought by the BJP in 2022, will be repealed, and the Bill which we are bringing will be in accordance with the Constitution,” Law Minister H K Patil told PTI.

The Congress government led by Siddaramaiah decided to roll back the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2022, (popularly called the anti-conversion Bill) introduced by the previous Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government. The Bill was placed by the then Home Minister Araga Jnanendra amid vociferous opposition during the Winter Session of the Assembly in September 2022.

Welcoming the move, the Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, commended the Government of Karnataka for repealing the Anti-Conversion Bill. Dr. Peter Machado is also the President – Karnataka Region Catholic Bishop’s Council and President – All Karnataka United Forum for Christian Human Rights.

“On behalf of the Christian Community, I express my profound gratitude and satisfaction towards the Government of Karnataka for its recent decision to repeal the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, commonly referred to as the anti-conversion bill. This commendable step was taken during a cabinet meeting held by the government, in response to concerns raised by various stakeholders and in recognition of the importance of upholding fundamental rights.”

The prelate went on to further state, “I acknowledge that the repeal of this controversial bill serves as a validation of the consistent stand taken by the Church and the Community. It reaffirms the belief that the legislation was not only detrimental to the individual’s freedom of religion but also stood in direct contradiction to the provisions enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. This article guarantees the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion, a fundamental right essential for a diverse and pluralistic society. The Christians will always continue to work under the Constitution of India, in their interest of the State and the Nation. Continue to render our service to all, irrespective of caste and creed, reaching out especially to the poor and the marginalized.”

The archbishop stated that the Anti-conversion Bill in Karnataka and in other states have increased the attacks on the Christians, as it encouraged the fringe elements to attack and cause harm to Christians. “It fueled doubts, mistrust and disharmony between communities. I hope the other States will also follow suit and withdraw the bill,” he added.

“Understanding the intricacies involved in the process of repealing a law, the Christian Community remains hopeful and confident that the necessary support required at various stages will be extended by all concerned parties. This collaborative effort is vital to ensure a smooth transition and the complete withdrawal of the anti-conversion bill,” he added.

“I take this opportunity to express gratitude once again to the Government of Karnataka for demonstrating courage and decisiveness in repealing this act. The acknowledgment of the concerns raised by the Christian Community and the subsequent action taken to rectify the situation are commendable. This step will contribute to fostering an atmosphere of religious harmony, tolerance, and respect for all faiths in the state,” he further added.

Even while in the Opposition, the Congress Party had vehemently opposed the Bill, calling it ” anti-people”, ”inhuman”, ” anti-constitutional”, ” anti-poor” and ”draconian”, and urged that it should not be passed for any reason and should be withdrawn by the government. JD(S) too had expressed its opposition to the Bill.

The Bill provided for the “protection of right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means”.

It proposed imprisonment from three to five years with a fine of ₹25,000, while for violation of provisions with respect to minors, women, SC/ST, offenders will face imprisonment from three to ten years and a fine of not less than ₹50,000.

The law became a flashpoint between the BJP and the Congress The opposition party contended that it was a tool for harassment of minorities.

“Our law is capable of stopping conversion that is forced through incentives and threats. Then what is the need for a new law? The only reason is to threaten and harass minorities,” Siddaramaiah had told the media last year.

The matter even went to court, where Christian organisations argued that the new law violated the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.

The legislation had come under fire from the Congress, which called it anti-constitutional, and minority groups. As per the Act, anyone found guilty could be imprisoned for a period of three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000. If minors, women or members of SC/ST communities are illegally converted, the offender is liable to face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of not less than ₹50,000.