Supreme Court Seeks States’ Replies On Pleas Challenging Anti-Conversion Laws

The Supreme Court has asked several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, to file responses within four weeks to pleas seeking a stay of their respective anti-conversion laws. 

The bench, headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, indicated that the courts will consider whether to grant interim relief after reviewing the replies. 

Petitioners allege that these laws are used to harass interfaith couples and curb religious freedom, especially in the context of recent amendments that increase penalties.

[Citizens for Justice and Peace v. State of Uttar Pradesh and Anr and connected matters]