The Supreme Court on Friday quashed a petition filed by the Hindu Dharma Parishad, seeking setting up of a Board for surveillance and monitoring of the activities of Christian missionaries.
A Bench comprising Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice A.S. Bopanna dismissed as withdrawn the SLP challenging the Madras High Court order of March 31, 2021, which had dismissed the outfit’s plea in the matter.
The High Court Bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh (now elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court) and Justice S. Ananthi had noted that the prayer cannot be granted, since it lies within the state’s jurisdiction and there was an Act, which provided for prohibition of conversion from one religion to another by the use of force or allurement by fraudulent means.
“The prayer cannot be granted, as it is not for the Court to issue appropriate orders in this regard, since it lies within the jurisdiction of the state. However, the Special Government Pleader produced a copy of the Act 56 of 2002, which provides for prohibition of conversion from one religion to another by use of force or allurement of by fraudulent means and for matters incidental thereto,” observed the HC.
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“We can only hope and trust that the official respondents would give effect to the provision of Act in letter and spirit. For the aforesaid purpose, the official respondents may make adequate Rules, as indicated in Section 7 of the Act 56/2002. We expect the District Magistrate to act in accordance with the said Act, as and when compliance are received. The writ petition stands disposed of accordingly. No costs”
-it had added.