Regulating religious conversion through the Anti-conversion laws is not a new phenomenon, but now it has become more politicised.
What is Bill all about?
The Bill states, “No person shall convert or attempt to convert either directly or otherwise any other person from one religion to another by use of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage, nor shall any person abet or conspire for conversions.” The bill provides for protection of right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion by any fraudulent means; and it has clear mention of punishment, such as, three years in Jail but may extend to five years with fine of Rs. 20,000, and in case of SC/ST or mentally specially abled person, the imprisonment will extend up to five years and fines of Rs. 50,000.
Many argument and discussion have already taken place with regard to Anti- conversion bill. Despite mounting criticism Karnataka Assembly passes Anti-conversion bill. States of the Indian union make laws with the Indian constitution as the basis. Regulating religious conversion through the Anti- conversion laws is not a new phenomenon, but now it has become more politicised. The anti-conversion laws introduced by state to prohibit conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, and fraud will protect vulnerable sections from exploitation like SC, ST, OBC, and poor people through allurement.
What is most bothering to Majorities?
If we take religion Composition in India based on 2011 Census: Hindu population is 79.8%; Muslim Population is 14.2%; Christian Population is 2.3%; Sikh population is 1.7%; Buddhist population is 0.7%; and Jain population is 0.4%
Though the Hindu population is clearly the highest what are the factors that are making them to worry? Over a period of time, the proposition of growth of population is multifold among Muslim. Their birth rate is 6.2 and above, where as rest of the population is around 2. If we compare with 1901 Census report there is a multifold growth of Muslims population in India whereas Hindu population hasn't grown that fast; and the Christian population is considerably low.
Talking about conversion the bill claims that “allurement” includes any offer of any temptation in the form of gift, gratification, easy money or material benefit either by cash or kind, promise to marry, better lifestyle, divine pleasure, portraying practice; and most worried part is glorifying one religion against another religion.
Going in line with the famous Sociologist and Economist, Karl Marx, religion is the opium of the masses; in modern times, does over emphasis on religion do any good to Indian society which is already victim to high religious morality, whims and fancies of religious leaders, and conservatism.
From the perspective of minorities, the question is, why a new bill? There is already a law to stop forceful conversion. Let government take action in case of any forceful conversion. The present law is being brought to target a particular religion. The privileges provided by the constitution and religious freedom is their rights.
We need to understand the bill using different approaches like who are the real beneficiaries? How does the bill provide protection from any form of religious exploitation? Does exploitation take place only through conversion? After ratification what are the other serious consequence a society has to go through? How state will successfully manage and enforce the bill? Do they lack co-ordination and fairness at the execution level? And the questions are many even before the bill is passed in the upper house.
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