Supreme Court Defers Hearing on Petitions Challenging State Anti-Conversion Laws

New Delhi, January 29, 2026: The Supreme Court on January 28 deferred hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of anti-conversion laws enacted by several States, citing paucity of time. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on February 3, 2026.

The petitions, led by Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), were listed before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. However, the case could not be taken up during the course of the day’s proceedings. Applications seeking interim relief against certain provisions of the laws have been pending since April 2025.

The proceedings arise from a group of writ petitions pending before the Supreme Court since 2020, raising important constitutional questions related to freedom of conscience, personal liberty, equality, and the extent of State authority in regulating religious conversion and interfaith marriages. Senior Advocate Chander Uday Singh, along with Advocates Srishti Agnihotri and Sanjana Thomas, is representing CJP, the lead petitioner.

The legal challenge initially focused on conversion-related statutes enacted in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Over time, similar laws passed in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Karnataka were also brought within the scope of the proceedings, making the present batch applicable to nine States.

The petitioners contend that while the laws are framed as measures to prevent forced or fraudulent conversions, several of their provisions place significant procedural and criminal burdens on individuals exercising personal choice in matters of faith and marriage. Concerns have been raised regarding requirements such as prior declarations before conversion, involvement of third parties in lodging complaints, reversal of the burden of proof, and stringent bail conditions.

In earlier hearings, the Supreme Court directed the respondent States to file detailed replies to the petitions and related interim applications. The Court has indicated that interim relief will be considered after completion of pleadings.

As of the latest listing, the Supreme Court has not yet commenced arguments on either interim relief or the final adjudication of the constitutional issues involved. The outcome of the forthcoming hearing is expected to clarify the Court’s approach to questions concerning Articles 14, 21, and 25 of the Constitution, particularly in relation to personal liberty and freedom of conscience.

By Catholic Connect Reporter