Anti-Conversion Law in Arunachal Pradesh

Why in News?

The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to revive the long-dormant Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, by framing rules for its implementation. This move comes 46 years after the legislation was enacted, sparking debates on religious freedom, cultural preservation, and the necessity of such laws in modern India.

Introduction

The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, was introduced to curb forceful religious conversions and preserve the indigenous cultural identity of the state. Despite its enactment, the law remained unimplemented due to a lack of rules and political sensitivities surrounding religious freedom. The recent push to operationalize the Act highlights ongoing concerns over conversions and cultural preservation in one of India’s most culturally rich and diverse states.

Key Highlights of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978

• Purpose of the Act:

  • To prohibit conversions by force, fraud, or inducement.
  • To preserve the indigenous religious practices and cultures of Arunachal Pradesh.

• Definitions under the Act:

  • Force: Use of physical force or threats to compel conversion.
  • Inducement: Offering monetary or material benefits to persuade an individual to change their religion.
  • Fraud: Misrepresentation or deceit to encourage conversion.

• Penalties

  • Individuals found guilty of violating the Act can face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.

• Exemptions:

  • The Act does not prohibit individuals from converting voluntarily without any external influence.

Historical Context: Why Was the Act Enacted?

1. Concerns over Indigenous Culture:

   • Arunachal Pradesh is home to several tribal communities with distinct cultural and religious practices.
   • The 1970s saw growing fears of the erosion of indigenous traditions due to external religious influences.

2. Legislative Intent:

   • The Act was designed to safeguard the cultural heritage of Arunachal’s tribal communities.
   • It aimed to prevent the exploitation of economically and socially vulnerable groups through forced or induced conversions.

3. Political Backdrop:

   • The state’s political leadership viewed the Act as a tool to promote social harmony and protect the rights of its people.

Why Was the Act Not Implemented?

1. Absence of Rules:

   • The Act remained dormant due to the lack of detailed rules and guidelines for its implementation.

2. Concerns over Constitutional Rights:

   • The Act faced criticism for potentially infringing upon Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.
   • Critics argued that the Act could be misused to target minority religious groups.

3. Sensitivity of Religious Matters:

   • Religious conversions and associated laws have often been contentious, with fears of communal tensions deterring successive governments from operationalizing the Act.

4. Shifting Priorities:

   • Over the decades, the focus on implementing the Act diminished due to changing political priorities and governance challenges in Arunachal Pradesh.

Reviving the Act: Current Context and Implications

• Cultural Preservation:

  • The push to implement the Act aligns with efforts to protect Arunachal’s indigenous cultures from external influences.

• Addressing Modern Concerns:

  • Reports of increasing religious conversions, particularly in tribal areas, have reignited debates on the need for legal safeguards.

• Balancing Rights and Responsibilities:

  • The government must ensure that the Act’s implementation does not violate constitutional rights or create communal discord.

• Challenges

  :
  • Framing rules that strike a balance between preventing coercion and upholding religious freedom.
  • Addressing opposition from human rights groups and minority organizations.

Key Terms and Definitions

1. Forceful Conversion:

   • The act of compelling someone to change their religion through physical, emotional, or psychological pressure.

2. Article 25 of the Indian Constitution:

   • Guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion.

3. Indigenous Culture:

   • Refers to the traditions, customs, and religious practices native to Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal communities.

4. Freedom of Religion Acts:

   • Also known as anti-conversion laws, these are state-level legislations aimed at regulating religious conversions to prevent coercion and fraud.

Other States with Similar Laws

1. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh:

   • Among the first states to enact anti-conversion laws.

2. Himachal Pradesh:

   • Passed similar legislation with stricter provisions for reporting and monitoring conversions.

3. Uttarakhand and Gujarat:

   • Recently introduced amendments to strengthen their existing anti-conversion laws.

Conclusion:

The revival of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, highlights the state’s efforts to address concerns around forceful religious conversions while preserving its unique cultural identity and protecting tribal traditions. This development underscores the broader challenge of balancing religious freedom with safeguarding indigenous practices and societal harmony. By framing rules for its implementation after nearly five decades, the state aims to reinforce its commitment to preventing coercive conversions while adhering to constitutional principles. This move also invites a broader dialogue on the nuanced relationship between cultural preservation, individual freedoms, and the constitutional right to religion, making it a topic of national importance for legal and socio-political discourse.