International Integrity Christian Council (IICC) has expressed appreciation when, National Council Of Churches In India Approaches Supreme Court Challenging Anti-Conversion Laws Of 12 States

As reported by LiveLaw, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) has approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the constitutional validity of anti-conversion laws enforced by twelve States, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Jharkhand, Odisha, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh.

The petition contends that these laws violate Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India, arguing that mandatory prior intimation, vague definitions of “allurement” and “inducement”, and the reverse burden of proof infringe upon freedom of conscience, equality before law, and personal liberty.

Action Taken by the Supreme Court (As per LiveLaw)

According to LiveLaw, a Bench comprising the Chief Justice of India and Justice Joymalya Bagchi has:

✅ Issued notice in the matter

✅ Tagged the petition with other pending challenges to similar anti-conversion laws

✅ Indicated that the case involves substantial constitutional questions that will be examined along with connected matters by an appropriate Bench

The issuance of notice signifies that the Supreme Court has formally taken cognisance of the challenge and has called upon the concerned authorities to respond.

Strong Appreciation & Constitutional View

Reacting to the development, Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate, Supreme Court of India,

Global Convener, International Integrity Christian Council (Wing of AICHLS), expressed strong appreciation:

“The Supreme Court’s decision to issue notice and examine the challenge reflects the seriousness of the constitutional issues involved. Matters of faith, belief and conscience cannot be subjected to executive suspicion or criminal presumption.”

Dr. Raju stated that the anti-conversion laws, as challenged by the NCCI, raise grave concerns of misuse and arbitrary enforcement, particularly against minorities.

“Freedom of religion is not a conditional privilege. It is a constitutionally guaranteed right. Laws that impose prior restraint, reverse the burden of proof, or criminalise voluntary choice require strict judicial scrutiny.”

He further welcomed the Court’s decision to tag the matter with similar petitions, noting that it opens the door for a comprehensive constitutional examination of such laws across India.

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