Supreme Court to Address Controversial Anti-Conversion Laws
The Supreme Court will deliberate on pleas challenging anti-conversion laws in several states. The bench seeks a state response in four weeks, as concerns arise over their severity, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The matter, involving issues of interfaith marriage and bail, is scheduled for a hearing in six weeks.
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The Supreme Court announced on Tuesday its decision to evaluate a collection of pleas seeking a suspension of the anti-conversion laws recently implemented in various states. A judicial bench consisting of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran requested the responses from several state governments regarding these challenges within four weeks.
During the recent hearing, the petitioner's legal representation highlighted the increasing stringency of these laws, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where a violation could result in a minimum sentence of 20 years. The Court scheduled the next hearing in six weeks to allow sufficient time for assessment.
Critics argue that these laws impose an inverse burden of proof and make obtaining bail practically unattainable, especially in interfaith marital cases. The Court also appointed two nodal counsels, Advocate Srishti Agnihotri for petitioners and Advocate Ruchira Goyal for the states, to manage the numerous petitions challenging the anti-conversion laws in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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