Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Raipur (Agenzia Fides) - The governor of India's central eastern Chhattisgarh State E.S.L. Narasimhan, has given his assent and signed an anti-conversion law approved about a year ago by the State parliament influenced by a nationalist fundamentalist Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party majority. This act by the governor brings into force a law which is among the most restrictive and harmful to freedom of conscience in India, especially with regard to believers belonging to religious minorities.
In a public protest against the law the local Catholic Church said the measure is “anti-constitutional”. Siding with the Church, Congress Party, which acts as the Opposition in Chhattisgarh state parliament, and numerous human rights associations and groups.
Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act 2006 affirms: “A person wishing to change religion must request permission from the local magistrate 30 days in advance”. According to the law the magistrate may grant or refuse permission.
Punishments envisaged for offenders include fines of 20,00 Rupees and up to three years in prison for citizens found guilty of “forced conversion”. Certain exceptions are envisaged: people who have converted but intend to return to their original religion will not be punished and the change will not be considered “forced conversion”. In this way the law allows ceremonies organised by Hindu activists as part of the 'coming home' Ghar Vapasi programme which celebrate the 're-conversion- to Hinduism of groups of Dalit Christians, often victims of intimidation and threats.
Chhattisgarh has a population of 270 million including about 400,000 Christians of whom 320,000 are Catholics. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/9/2007 righe 27 parole 272)
