Thwarting Hindu nationalist attempts to introduce a nationwide ‘freedom of religion’ law, India’s Ministry of Law and Justice told the federal government on 15 April that it does not have jurisdiction over the matter.
The statement marks a triumph for Christians and other religious minorities in India.
Preventing conversion
Hindu nationalist bodies, collectively known as Sangh Parivar, have long pushed for the implementation of a nationwide ‘freedom of religion law’ to prevent Hindus from converting to Christianity or other religions. These laws, already implemented in six Indian states, are often used to falsely accuse Christians of converting Hindus to Christianity by force, fraud or allurement.
