Minority leaders urge Karnataka to repeal conversion law, strengthen hate speech rules

Representatives of religious minority communities and civil society organisations in Karnataka have urged the state government to repeal the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, and to strengthen laws dealing with hate speech and hate crimes. The demand was made at a press conference in Bengaluru on Friday.

The leaders argued that the 2022 law, which regulates religious conversion, goes beyond legitimate regulation and undermines the constitutional guarantee of freedom of conscience. They said its procedures and restrictions cast suspicion on minority communities and risk turning a protected freedom into an activity carried out under the shadow of criminal prosecution.

Archbishop of Bengaluru Peter Machado and Mohammed Yahya Damudi, convener of the Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkoota (KRMO), said Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees every individual the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion. They described the law as an unacceptable constitutional overreach and urged the state government to fulfil its promise and constitutional obligations by repealing it.

The leaders said the law does not merely regulate conversion but, in its operation and implications, casts suspicion on the existence, religious identity and expression of faith of minorities. They argued that sweeping restrictions and intrusive procedures raise serious concerns of legislative excess.

The leaders said repeal by Karnataka would set an important precedent for other states. They also called on the state government to review and strengthen the legal framework governing hate speech, communal incitement and hate crimes. Any such amendments, they said, should remain consistent with the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression.

The statement referred to concerns about hostility directed at religious minorities and other vulnerable communities. It asked the government to ensure that laws against hate speech are implemented effectively while respecting free expression.

The minority leaders also criticised several measures introduced by the previous BJP government. They cited the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020; the scrapping of Category 2B reservation for Muslims through a government order issued by the Karnataka Cabinet on March 27, 2023; the Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 2020; and the Labour Codes.

They said these policy changes have long-term effects on the fabric of society and the direction of development. The statement called on the Government of Karnataka to repeal these Acts and to develop a balanced and constitutionally compliant framework for social development.

The 2022 conversion law was introduced with the stated aim of preventing forced or fraudulent conversions. Supporters of such laws say they are needed to protect vulnerable individuals. Critics, including the leaders who spoke on Friday, argue that the provisions place a heavy burden on minority communities and restrict rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

The statement said the Constitution protects the freedom of conscience for every individual, not as a concession to any community but as a fundamental right. The leaders urged the government to act in accordance with these constitutional principles. The press conference was attended by representatives of minority communities and civil society groups.