The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition Of Unlawful Conversion Of Religion Act: Examining The Role Of State In Protecting Religious Freedom
- IJLLR Journal
- May 26
- 1 min read
Ravina Gautam, PhD Scholar, Baba Mastnath University
ABSTRACT
The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, aims to regulate religious conversions and protect citizens from unlawful conversions through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or fraudulent means. This article examines the role of the state in protecting religious freedom and the potential conflict between anti-conversion laws and fundamental rights. The paper emphasizes on the importance and objective of anti-conversion laws in a country, specifically focusing on the UP legislation. The salient provisions of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act 2021 have been listed and critically analyzed in the paper. The Act defines unlawful conversions and mass conversions, and outlines the means and methods employed for such conversions. The author has presented her unbiased view on the legislation. The article then discusses the judicial response to unlawful religious conversions, with the Supreme Court of India expressing disapproval and emphasizing the need to curb forced conversions. The article concludes that while the state has a responsibility to protect citizens from unwanted religious coercion, the implementation of anti-conversion laws must be balanced with the protection of fundamental rights and the prevention of bias and misuse by authorities.
Keywords: The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, forceful conversion, anti-conversion laws, fundamental rights
