Freedom to Choose Faith Is Fundamental, Bench Questions Anti-Conversion Law : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court raised key constitutional concerns regarding Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law, noting that in a secular nation, the freedom to choose one’s faith is a protected fundamental right.

The Bench also highlighted the “conspicuous” role and interference of state authorities in overseeing conversions.

The Court, while issuing notice on a plea challenging the law’s validity, questioned whether the legislation imposes unreasonable restrictions and creates an arbitrary regulatory framework.

The Court further observed that reliance on statements from witnesses who neither underwent conversion nor were present during the alleged mass conversion casts doubt on the credibility of the prosecution’s case.

[Rajendra Bihari Lal and Another v State of Uttar Pradesh and Others]