UP’s new anti-conversion law puts burden of guilt on accused, has UAPA-like bail conditions. It can end up criminalising any & every conversion
Passage of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Act, 2024 (‘Amending Act’) on Tuesday should be seen as a very significant development. The law amends the contentious UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 (‘Act’). While the state legislature may view the amended Act as a stricter and more efficient law to tackle unlawful religious conversions, it appears even more arbitrary and constitutionally suspect.
This underscores the fundamental flaws in India’s criminal lawmaking practices. Such laws are often employed in day-to-day governance, and remain subservient to extraneous considerations, rather than being guided by constitutional values.
This underscores the fundamental flaws in India’s criminal lawmaking practices. Such laws are often employed in day-to-day governance, and remain subservient to extraneous considerations, rather than being guided by constitutional values.