Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Submits Memorandum Seeking Repeal of Anti-Conversion Act
Udupi: Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, under the Udupi Diocese, submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner on Thursday, urging the state government to repeal the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, popularly known as the Anti-Conversion Act.
The organisation also called for a comprehensive policy to protect religious minorities and vulnerable communities from hate speech, communal provocation and violence, and to ensure its effective implementation.
The memorandum stated that the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, has serious implications for the fundamental rights of religious minorities, including their religious identity and freedom to express their beliefs. It expressed concern that the Act could lead to the criminalisation of activities associated with the religious identity of minority communities and undermine the freedom of conscience guaranteed by the Constitution.
It further pointed out that the implementation and impact of the Act, particularly on the Christian community and other religious minorities, could restrict their freedom to express their religious identity, beliefs and practices.
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees every individual the right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion. However, the extensive restrictions and regulations imposed under the Act raise serious questions about whether they exceed the permissible limits of legislative authority.
The memorandum also warned that the Act could create an atmosphere of fear of criminal prosecution in matters relating to religious beliefs and practices. Religious freedom cannot have a meaningful existence if individuals and communities are constantly compelled to defend the legitimacy of their beliefs, it stated.
The organisation urged the Karnataka government to demonstrate exemplary leadership by repealing the Act and upholding the constitutional principles of religious freedom, equality and human dignity. It also called upon the state to set an example for other states by taking this step.
The memorandum further called for strengthening and effectively enforcing existing laws to prevent hate speech, communal provocation and offences targeting religious minorities and other vulnerable communities.
Expressing concern over the continuing instances of hatred, harassment and threats of violence against religious communities, the organisation stated that religious freedom and the right to live with dignity cannot be fully protected in such an environment.
It observed that speeches inciting discrimination, hatred or violence undermine peaceful coexistence and create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in society.
While acknowledging that legal provisions are already in place to address hate speech and hate crimes, the memorandum emphasised the need for their effective implementation. Failure to ensure timely investigations, prosecution and accountability allows such unlawful activities to continue.
The organisation therefore urged the state government to review and strengthen the legal framework for preventing hate speech and hate crimes, introduce necessary legislative amendments and ensure that such measures remain consistent with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and expression.
Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh President Melwin Aranha, Secretary Juliet D’Souza, Treasurer Garifield Urban Lewis, President-elect Louis D’Souza, former presidents Valerian Fernandes and Dr. Gerald Pinto, and Professor Phaniraj of the Sahabalve organisation were present on the occasion.
