Gujuarat High Court's Ruling on Religious Conversion
The Gujarat High Court has made a decision that may impact India's legal landscape and minority rights, ruling that individuals who were forcibly or wrongfully converted can be charged in criminal proceedings if they influence or abet someone else to convert.
This ruling, made in October 2025, highlights the potential for anti-conversion statutes to transform a victim of conversion into an accused offender, raising concerns for constitutional liberties and interfaith relations.
The Gujarat High Court ruled that individuals alleged to be “victims” of wrongful religious conversion could be charged with instigation or abetting, irrespective of any lawful (or not) religious conversion under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.
This decision assesses the implications of the Gujarat High Court's ruling on the future of interfaith relations and constitutional liberties.
Author's summary: Gujarat High Court's ruling impacts minority rights.