Uttarakhand Anti-Conversion Bill — “Punitive Laws Cannot Replace Justice Reforms”

Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate Supreme Court & Chairman, Indian National Human Rights Protection Council

New Delhi, 19 August 2025 — The Government of Uttarakhand has introduced the Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposing harsher punishments for alleged forced religious conversions, including life imprisonment. The Bill follows the template of Uttar Pradesh’s stringent law and allows non-bailable offences, arrest without warrant, and property seizure.

Responding to this move, Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate Supreme Court of India and Chairman of the Indian National Human Rights Protection Council, issued a strong statement:

> “While the focus is being shifted to religious conversion laws, India’s real justice crisis remains unresolved — crores of criminal cases pending in courts, lakhs of undertrials languishing without trial, and severe shortages in judge strength. The nation must prioritize judicial capacity, bail reforms, prison decongestion, and speedy trials over introducing more punitive statutes. Longer sentences cannot substitute systemic reforms.”

Dr. Raju emphasized that India’s prisons are bursting at over 130% occupancy, with some states crossing 250–400% overcrowding levels, and undertrials make up nearly 76% of inmates. “This is not just a legal issue, but a serious human rights crisis,” he added.

Key Concerns Raised by Dr. Raju:

Judicial Vacancies: Thousands of judge posts remain unfilled; the ratio of judges to population is among the lowest globally.

Undertrial Crisis: Lakhs of undertrials remain in jail for years without conviction, violating the constitutional guarantee of Article 21 (Right to Life & Liberty).

Prison Overcrowding: Many prisons operate at dangerous levels of congestion, undermining rehabilitation and basic human dignity.

Bail Reforms: Despite repeated Supreme Court directions, arbitrary denial of bail keeps the poor behind bars.

Access to Justice: Legal aid remains weak, leaving vulnerable communities unrepresented.

The Way Forward

Dr. Raju urged governments to:

1. Fill judicial vacancies on a war footing.

2. Strengthen fast-track courts and digital caseflow management.

3. Strictly enforce Supreme Court guidelines on bail.

4. Activate Undertrial Review Committees across states.

5. Invest in legal aid, prison reform, and human rights protections.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. Instead of expanding prisons with new convicts, we must reduce pendency, strengthen courts, and uphold the dignity of every citizen.” — Dr. Anthony Raju

About Dr. Anthony Raju

Dr. Anthony Raju is an Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Chairman of the Indian National Human Rights Protection Council, and a globally recognized Human Rights Defender. He is also among the Top Criminal and Human Rights Advocates in India, with expertise in POCSO, Rape, Dowry Death, ED, CBI, NIA, and Medical Negligence cases.

Issued By:

Office of Dr. Anthony Raju

Advocate, Supreme Court of India

Chairman, Indian National Human Rights Protection Council

???? Email: office@humanrightscouncil.in

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