The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses from several states on their anti-conversion laws, which have been challenged through petitions questioning their constitutional validity. A bench of Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran clarified that it will consider pleas for an interim stay only after receiving the states’ replies.
The court directed states to submit their responses within four weeks, while petitioners have been given two additional weeks to file rejoinders. The next hearing has been scheduled after six weeks. The bench also allowed senior advocate C. U. Singh, representing the petitioners, to amend the petitions to include recent changes made by states like Uttar Pradesh.
The petitions challenge laws enacted in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, arguing that these legislations violate Articles 21 and 25 of the Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty and freedom of religion.
Petitioners’ Arguments
Senior advocate C. U. Singh argued that such laws cause serious difficulties for interfaith couples. He highlighted provisions allowing third parties to file complaints, which often leads to harassment. Singh also pointed out that even religious gatherings, like church services, face disruption under the cover of these laws.
Other Senior Lawyers’ Submissions
Senior advocate Indira Jaising demanded an immediate stay on Madhya Pradesh’s law, while advocate Vrinda Grover sought similar relief against Uttar Pradesh and Haryana legislations. However, Additional Solicitor General K. M. Nataraj opposed interim relief, stating that it was unreasonable to seek a stay years after these laws came into effect.
Government’s Stand on NGOs
The case is also linked to a petition filed by Citizens for Justice and Peace, an NGO led by activist Teesta Setalvad. The Centre alleged that the NGO files selective petitions for political motives and raises funds in the name of riot-affected individuals for financial gain.
