regulations are lawful. When the case is heard again in six weeks, the Court will take into account the appeal to halt the implementation of the legislation.
petitions contesting the legality of state legislation on religious conversion that were pending before several High Courts were transferred to the Supreme Court on Tuesday [Citizens for Justice and Peace v. State of Uttar Pradesh and ors and linked issues].
Similar lawsuits contesting religious conversion regulations in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, among other states, are already before the court.
A bench consisting of Justice K Vinod Chandran and Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai was informed today that more petitions of this nature were still pending in High Courts.
"Allow the transfer of additional similar pending petitions here. "All such laws will be challenged," Senior Advocate Indira Jaising argued.
Additionally, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Natraj stated on behalf of the State of Madhya Pradesh,
"We have no objection to transfer."
"All right, move these petitions over here. "Application for amendment granted," CJI Gavai responded.
The Court further stated that after six weeks, it will take into account the request to halt the implementation of such laws.
"List after 6 weeks for the consideration of the applications seeking stay," it read.
An NGO named Citizens for Peace and Justice filed a case with the court, contesting religious conversion regulations passed by several states.
The Court also permitted the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind to get involved in the case in 2021 when it claimed that many Muslims were being harassed nationwide by the use of such anti-conversion laws.
Senior Advocate CU Singh voiced concerns during today's session over the severe penalties the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government imposes on anyone suspected of breaking its religious conversion statute.
"The Freedom of Religion Act is essentially an anti-conversion statute. As courts give bail, etc., UP has now set a minimum sentence of 20 years along with reverse burden of proof and twin bail requirements equal to those of the PMLA. It makes bail difficult for anyone in an interfaith marriage. A number of states are implementing these. A few weeks ago, Rajasthan passed a law as well. Anyone can file a complaint. "They are being picked up by mobs during festivals and other events," he said.
Additionally, advocate Vrinda Grover said,
"Haryana conversion rules and Uttar Pradesh law." We have contested them and requested a stay in another application."
The States were asked to submit their responses by CJI Gavai.
Meanwhile, advocate Ashwini Upadhyay stated that he has submitted a request for guidance to outlaw false and fraudulent religious conversions.
The CJI questioned Upadhyay, "Who will find out if it's deceitful or not?"
Senior Advocate Singh noted, "We are here contesting the authority of the law, and here he is attempting to pass legislation."
The CJI went on to say, "Mr. Upadhyay, your plea and IA is de-tagged,"
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