Anti-Conversion Law Raises Tensions in Uttar Pradesh, Impacting Christians' Legal Rights

Sitapur, December 19, 2024: In Uttar Pradesh, the legal struggle for Christians continues to intensify, as several individuals face charges under the state’s controversial anti-conversion law. The case in Sitapur has drawn particular attention, with seven Christians currently in jail, accused of violating the UP Conversion Act. The arrests stem from a prayer meeting held in the family home, a practice that is being misrepresented as a large-scale religious event. Allegedly, the complaint was filed by a distant relative, Abhishek Kumar, reportedly motivated by a property dispute and influenced by external groups with a vested interest in targeting Christian communities. Despite the apparent lack of evidence linking the family to any illegal activities, the situation has led to significant legal and social ramifications.

The seven accused, who have been detained, are facing significant hurdles in securing bail. The complexity of the case lies in the influence of right-wing groups, who have been involved in filing complaints, disrupting prayer meetings, and creating a hostile atmosphere around Christian practices. In the specific Sitapur case, these groups have also manipulated legal processes by using a relative as the complainant, a tactic that makes it more difficult for the accused to seek bail under the provisions of Section 4 of the anti-conversion law. 

Advocate Munish, who is representing the accused has emphasized the challenges posed by the hostile legal environment, where courts often delay or reject bail applications due to preconceived biases surrounding conversion accusations.

This case is not isolated. In Uttar Pradesh, approximately 64 individuals are currently imprisoned under similar charges, with many facing prolonged periods without bail. Advocates defending such cases have reported immense challenges, including interference from groups monitoring courtrooms, pressure from police and intelligence agencies and the long delays in judicial processes. For instance, several bail applications have been rejected by lower courts, while higher courts also show reluctance to provide relief. In some cases, judges have even labeled conversion-related cases as “anti-national activities,” further complicating legal defense efforts.

A large proportion of the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed under the law have been attributed to groups with strong ideological stances against religious conversions. In many cases, these groups have been accused of fabricating evidence, including instances where prayer meetings have been misrepresented as illegal conversions. The situation has created a climate of fear and insecurity, particularly for women and children in Christian communities, who have been disproportionately affected by the law.

In addition to the challenges faced by the accused, the rise of self-proclaimed leaders in villages and districts has exacerbated tensions. These leaders often take it upon themselves to monitor Christian communities, falsely accusing individuals of engaging in unlawful conversion activities. 

Despite these setbacks, legal advocates continue to fight for justice. However, the process remains slow and arduous, with many cases languishing in courts for months, if not years. In the case of one individual, Fr. Dominic, a prolonged delay in bail hearings was linked to the “Christian angle” of the case, further highlighting the difficulties faced by those accused under the anti-conversion law. Many advocates are handling such cases and actively working to address these challenges, but the overall situation remains difficult.

The anti-conversion law has led to heightened tensions between religious communities in Uttar Pradesh, where fanatic elements are gaining influence. Legal experts fear that, without intervention, such laws could further polarize communities and weaken the fabric of Indian society.

While the legal process moves forward, it remains clear that the road to justice for those accused under the anti-conversion law is fraught with obstacles and the situation in Uttar Pradesh continues to be a flashpoint in the broader debate over religious freedom in India.

By Catholic Connect Reporter