'We'll respond appropriately': Kiren Rijiju on SC's order to Centre over forced conversion

Reacting to Supreme Court's decision of terming forced religious conversion a "very serious" issue and ordering Centre to step in, Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju said that Centre will soon give a response.

"I have heard about this matter, this was reported to me today. This is a judicial pronouncement and judicial observation. And anything which comes as a judicial order will be responded to appropriately," Rijiju said while speaking to Republic. 

"Proper response will be given because observations are serious. And definitely, forceful conversion or anything which are done illegally is to be given proper treatment by government. I will speak on this matter later on. We will be presenting our viewpoint to Supreme Court," he furr stated. 

Centre has been granted time till November 22, 2022, to file its response on issue and a hearing on matter is scheduled for November 28.

What did SC say on forced religious conversion?

two-judge bench of Justices MR Shah and Hima Kohli observed that forced conversion has become a "very serious" issue and that a "very difficult situation" will emerge if such practices are not stopped.

Taking serious note of religious conversion through deception, allurement and intimidation, bench asked Centre to initiate action against it and asked Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta to enumerate measures to curb practice through allurement.

apex court was hearing a plea filed by vocate Ashwini Kumar Uphyay seeking directions for Centre and states to curb religious conversion through means of "intimidation, threatening, deceivingly luring through gifts and monetary benefits".

SG Mehta, on or hand, said that  issue was debated even in Constituent Assembly. "re were two Acts. One was by Odisha government and or one by Mhya Presh dealing with regulation of any forcible conversion by deceit, falsehood or fraud, money. se issues came before this court for consideration and top court upheld validity," Mehta said ding that incidents of conversion are more rampant in tribal areas. 

He, however, stated that in several cases, person being converted to anor religion is not aware y are subject matter of criminal offence. Observing that re may be freedom of religion but it does not apply to forced conversion, bench said, " issue with respect to alleged conversion of religion if it is found to be correct and true, is a very serious issue which may ultimately affect security of nation as well as freedom of religion and conscience of citizens."