New Delhi, India – Christians and Dalits will appeal to the Supreme Court against an anti-conversion law newly enacted in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The decision was taken during a meeting organized by the All India Christian Council (AICC, which gathers thousands of Christian organizations and personalities) on 22 February in Shimla.
Three days earlier, Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje, governor of Himachal Pradesh, ratified and enacted a controversial law approved by parliament on 19 December 2006. The law punishes those who convert other people “through fraudulent means” with sentences of up to two years in prison and/or a fine of 25,000 rupees. If the convert is a Dalit, member of a tribal community or a minor, the punishment is doubled. Those who want to change their faith must give 30 days notice to the district authorities. Failure to do so could result in a month in jail and/or a 1000 rupees fine. Those who re-embrace their former religion, however, will not be violating the law.
John Dayal, general secretary of the AICC and member of the National Integration Council, announced the decision taken by “Christian, Dalit and mass movement organizations” to take the matter to the Supreme Court “if we do not get a favourable decision at state level.” He continued: “The Governor, Chief Minister, as well as the Congress leadership in New Delhi including Mrs Sonia Gandhi, should rescind the Act” which was approved without proper discussion. Dayal expressed “concern” about this law which “affects Christians, Buddhists and members of other faiths”.
Joseph D’Souza, President of the AICC, said: “This law is unacceptable and betrays the promises of the Congress party to address the needs of minority faiths across India.” Rakesh Bahadur, North India Convener of the National Conference of Dalit Organizations, said the law will allow “Dalits who want to break free from caste oppression and to choose their faith” to be targeted. He continued: “This bill violates the fundamental rights of every Indian citizen provided in article 25 of Indian Constitution as well as article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations.”
Himachal Pradesh is the eighth Indian state to approve an anti-conversion law. But Tamil Nadu revoked the law last June and several states have not laid down provisions outlining sanctions for those caught violating the law.