RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF RELIGION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Allahabad High Court recently rejected the bail application of an individual facing charges, including converting a girl to Islam, noting that the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

Right to Freedom of Religion

• About: The right to freedom of religion is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Indian Constitution, reflecting the country's commitment to secularism and religious pluralism.
• Constitutional Provision: Articles 25-28 of the Constitution guarantee individuals the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate their religion of choice while promoting equality and preventing discrimination on religious grounds.

o Article 25: This article guarantees freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion freely.

o Article 26: It provides the freedom to manage religious affairs.

o Article 27: This article ensures freedom from compulsion to pay taxes for the promotion of any particular religion.

o Article 28: It grants freedom regarding attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.

UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021

• About: It was to guarantee religious freedom to all persons which reflects the social harmony and spirit of India.
• Objective: The Act aims to control conversions that occur through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or fraudulent means.
• Increased Penalties for Repeat Offenders: Individuals who repeatedly violate the law may face up to double the standard punishment.
• Void Marriages for Conversion: Marriages conducted solely for the purpose of unlawful conversion are declared legally void.