"Karnataka Congress-led Government Takes Historic Step: Repeals Controversial Anti-Conversion Law"
In a significant move, the Congress-led government in Karnataka has made the decision to repeal the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022. This law, previously introduced by the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, aimed to prohibit unlawful conversions through various means such as misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, and allurement.
The Karnataka legislative assembly had passed the contentious Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill in December 2021, despite opposition from the Indian National Congress (INC) party and the Janata Dal (Secular). Eventually, the Bill transformed into an Act in September 2022.
Following their recent victory in the legislative assembly elections, the INC formed the State government in Karnataka. As part of their agenda, the government has taken the bold step to repeal this controversial anti-conversion law.
Under the repealed law, Section 3 had criminalized conversions achieved through misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or promises of marriage. Offenders could face imprisonment for three to five years and a fine of ₹25,000. If the conversion involved vulnerable individuals such as minors, persons of unsound mind, women, or individuals from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, the prison term could extend up to ten years with the same fine.
Additionally, the law required individuals seeking to convert to another religion to declare their intention at least thirty days in advance to the concerned District Magistrate or the Additional District Magistrate.
The burden of proof for demonstrating that a religious conversion was not carried out through deceptive means or coercion rested on the person responsible for the conversion and any individuals aiding or abetting it.
With the repeal of this law, the Karnataka Congress-led government aims to address concerns surrounding religious freedom and promote inclusivity and tolerance within the state. This significant step marks a milestone in the state's legislative history.
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