Religious minority leaders urge Karnataka to repeal anti-conversion law

Representatives of religious minority communities and civil society organisations have called upon the Government of Karnataka to “fulfil its promise and constitutional obligations” by repealing the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, while strengthening and effectively implementing laws addressing hate speech and crimes.

At a press conference held in Bengaluru on Friday, leaders from minority communities argued that anti-conversion laws criminalise the very existence of the communities as religious minorities and undermine the constitutional promise of freedom of conscience.

‘Constitutional overreach’

“For religious minorities, particularly Christians, the Karnataka Protection of Rights to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, is not merely a law regulating religious conversion. In its operation and implications, it casts suspicion on our very existence, religious identity, and expression of faith. The Constitution of India guarantees every individual the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion under Article 25. The sweeping restrictions and intrusive procedures imposed by the present legislation raise serious concerns of legislative excess. They risk transforming constitutional freedom into an activity exercised under the shadow of criminal prosecution,” said Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru, and Mohammed Yahya Damudi, Convener, Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkoota (KRMO).

Terming the law “an unacceptable constitutional overreach”, the minority leaders urged the Government of Karnataka to repeal it. “By repealing this legislation, the State can establish an important precedent for other States,” they stated.

‘Strengthen law against hate speech’

Highlighting increasing concerns over hate speech, communal incitement, and hostility directed towards religious minorities and other vulnerable communities, the leaders called upon the State government to review and strengthen the legal framework governing hate speech and hate crimes, including necessary legislative amendments, while ensuring that all provisions remain consistent with the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression.

Their statement claimed that the erstwhile BJP government introduced several pieces of legislation that affect “the lives of the toiling and downtrodden sections of society”. They cited the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, the scrapping of ‘Category 2B’ reservation for Muslims through a Government Order issued by the Karnataka Cabinet on March 27, 2023, the Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 2020, and the Labour Codes.

“These ill-motivated policy changes have long-term effects on the fabric of society and the direction of development. We, therefore, call upon the Government of Karnataka to repeal all these Acts and develop a balanced and constitutionally compliant framework for the development of society,” they stated.