Conversions in religious gatherings threaten demographic balance: Allahabad HC

The Allahabad High Court has issued a stark warning, suggesting that the continued practice of religious conversions during congregations could eventually shift the demographic balance, turning the majority population into a minority.

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, presiding over the bench, expressed concerns about these religious gatherings where conversions occur and emphasized the urgent need to halt such activities.

"If this trend persists, the majority demographic in this country could one day find itself in the minority. It is imperative to immediately stop religious congregations that facilitate conversions and alter the religious affiliations of Indian citizens," the court stated.

Highlighting the constitutional perspective, the court noted that these conversions violate Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. This article guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, but it does not sanction conversion from one faith to another.

"Article 25 provides the right to freedom of conscience and the free practice, profession, and propagation of religion. However, 'propagation' means to promote one's religion, not to convert others to it," the court clarified.

The bench also pointed out the alarming rise in unlawful conversions among economically disadvantaged groups, particularly those from SC/ST communities, occurring at an unprecedented rate across Uttar Pradesh.

These remarks came while the court denied bail to Kailash, who faced charges under Section 365 IPC and Section 3/5(1) of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Kailash was accused of facilitating conversions by taking villagers to a social event in Delhi where they were converted to Christianity.

The applicant allegedly promised the informant that her mentally ill brother would receive treatment and return home within a week. Instead, he was converted to Christianity. The FIR against Kailash claimed he had converted numerous individuals.

During the bail hearing, the applicant's counsel argued that the informant's brother, Ramphal, had not been converted but had merely attended a Christian-themed gathering.

The counsel also suggested that the witness statements implicating the applicant should not be trusted at this early stage. It was noted that Sonu Paster, who organized the gathering had already been granted bail.

However, the court found the allegations against Kailash severe and refused his bail request. The decision was influenced by statements from the alleged victims and witnesses, indicating that the accused had been actively transporting people to religious congregations in New Delhi for conversion to Christianity.