The Public Affairs Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church has issued a strong statement applauding recent judicial interventions that it says are vital for safeguarding religious freedom and minority rights in India. The commission specifically highlighted a significant ruling from the Allahabad High Court that dismissed charges of forced conversion linked to the possession and distribution of Bibles.
Court Slams UP Police Case
The church's statement detailed an incident in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, where local police filed a case against a group of Christians. The First Information Report (FIR) accused them of engaging in forced religious conversion, with one of the primary allegations being that they possessed and were distributing copies of the Bible.
However, the actions of the Uttar Pradesh police and the subsequent arguments presented by the government prosecutor faced severe criticism from the Allahabad High Court bench. The court's sharp observations formed the cornerstone of the church's welcome statement.
"Possessing a Bible is Not a Crime"
The Syro-Malabar Church's commission praised the High Court's clear and unambiguous legal stance. The court firmly stated that merely possessing or distributing a Bible, or even participating in a prayer meeting, cannot by itself be construed as evidence of an attempt to forcibly convert anyone.
In a powerful reminder to the state counsel, the justices pointed out that distributing or proclaiming the teachings of the Bible is not criminalized under any existing law in India. This judicial clarification is seen as a critical check against the misuse of anti-conversion laws to target minority communities.
Broader Legal Challenges to Anti-Conversion Laws
The church's statement also connected this ruling to a larger national context concerning religious freedom. It noted that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has approached the Supreme Court of India, challenging the constitutionality of a new anti-conversion law enacted by the Rajasthan state government.
The CBCI's petition argues that the Rajasthan law infringes upon the fundamental right to religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court has acknowledged this petition, and the Rajasthan state government has been issued a formal notice to respond to the legal challenge.
A Call for Constitutional Commitment
In concluding its statement, the Public Affairs Commission emphasized the non-negotiable duty of all state governments. It stressed that authorities must remain committed to protecting the religious freedom and minority rights enshrined in India's Constitution.
The commission described continuous and vigilant oversight by the judiciary as essential to uphold these democratic principles. It expressed that court rulings which reinforce and support this constitutional framework are not just legal victories but are necessary steps to preserve the pluralistic fabric of the nation. The church's message is a clear endorsement of judicial activism in defending fundamental rights.
