A Catholic human rights activist wrote Oct. 28 that the Supreme Court of India’s recent ruling to uphold Christians’ freedom of religion is a victory for those targeted by “draconian” anti-conversion legislation — and a sign that more protections might be in store.
“The ruling represents an important rebuke of Hindu supremacists who weaponize anti-conversion laws against evangelists and missionaries,” Jason Jones wrote in the article about the Oct. 17 ruling.
The Supreme Court dismissed six criminal complaints Hindu nationalist activists filed under the 2021 Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. The plaintiffs accused Christian educators and clergy “of orchestrating mass conversions,” according to Jones.
One complaint was filed against 35 named persons and 20 unknown persons “for converting 90 Hindus at the Evangelical Church of India on Maundy Thursday in April 2022,” Jones wrote. Vijay Masih, the church’s pastor, and his family suffered “threats, hostility, and atrocities while the case was proceeding,” according to Jones.
According to Matters India, the court determined that the First Information Reports (FIRs), which were filed by third parties rather than the alleged victims themselves, were legally untenable; only an alleged victim or immediate family can file a complaint alleging coercive conversion.
“Criminal law cannot be a tool to harass innocent citizens,” the court stated.
There are “dozens” of pending FIRs filed across Uttar Pradesh that mirror the ones dismissed by the Supreme Court, and they will be subject to further scrutiny in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, according to Matters India.
“The ruling comes amid growing concern over the use of anti-conversion laws by vigilante groups and politically affiliated organizations to intimidate religious minorities,” the outlet reported.
According to Jones, 12 Indian states have passed anti-conversion laws.
“But if advocates keep up a sustained witness to the principles of religious freedom,” he wrote, “the latest ruling from India’s Supreme Court has the potential to lay the groundwork for protection against future injustices.”