Supreme Court issues notices to Centre, 12 states on PIL by Christian body against anti-conversion laws

Why in news

The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and 12 states, including Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh, following a petition by the National Council of Churches in India challenging various state anti-conversion laws.

Background

The National Council of Churches in India filed a petition seeking a stay on the operation of anti-conversion laws in 12 states. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, ordered the pleas to be tagged with pending similar petitions for a joint hearing by a three-judge bench.

Facts for Prelims

• BodyNational Council of Churches in India: Petitioner challenging state anti-conversion laws
• Fact12 states, including Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh, are facing notices regarding their anti-conversion laws
• PostChief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi: Bench presiding over the petition

For Mains

Q. Critically examine the constitutional validity of state-specific anti-conversion laws in the context of the right to freedom of religion.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Federal friction: Conflict between state legislative autonomy and central constitutional protections for religious freedom
• Judicial oversight: Balancing the state's power to regulate conversions against individual fundamental rights
• Legal ambiguity: Lack of uniform national standards for defining 'forced' vs 'voluntary' religious conversions

Keywords: Freedom of Religion · Federalism · Judicial Review · State Legislation · Constitutional Validity

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