Supreme Court Flags Constitutional Concerns Over Uttar Pradesh Anti-Conversion Law

New Delhi, 24 October 2025 — The Supreme Court of India (SC) has expressed serious concerns over the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, particularly about its burdensome conditions on individuals seeking to change their religion. In quashing specific FIRs linked to alleged mass conversions at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) in Prayagraj, the Court found procedural flaws in the investigation and noted that the law’s requirement placing heavy paperwork and public notification on converted persons may be intrusive.

A bench of the Court pointed out that while the State has a duty to prevent coercion, inducement or fraud in conversions, the law’s broad mandates — including a requirement to publicly declare conversion and for prior permission in certain cases — raise questions about their compatibility with constitutional rights. The Court emphasised India is a secular country and warned the legislation could place substantial practical and legal burdens on religious freedom.

The legal challenge arose in connection with a batch of six criminal cases filed under IPC provisions and the UP Act, one involving a complaint by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) alleging mass conversions in Fatehpur’s Hariharganj. The Court’s remarks signal it may subject the law to heightened scrutiny over how it is enforced in practice.

Observers say the ruling could prompt review of anti-conversion laws in other states as well, especially where they mandate pre-conversion approvals, detailed notices and public disclosure of personal faith choices. Civil liberties advocates note the decision may encourage demands for clearer safeguards to ensure that laws aimed at preventing forced conversions don’t inadvertently hamper voluntary religious change.

Supreme Court Flags Constitutional Concerns Over Uttar Pradesh Anti-Conversion Law

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