NAGPUR, India — Catholic leaders in one of India’s most populous states are demanding the repeal of a new law that criminalizes religious conversion — the 13th such measure enacted across the country under the ruling Hindu-nationalist government.
“We protest this move. We have urged the government to repeal this law. Copies of our [Western Regional Bishops’ Council] statement have been sent to the...
The strongest version of this narrative is that the Maharashtra law represents a systematic erosion of religious freedom under the guise of protecting it. The Catholic Church and civil society groups present a compelling case that the law’s requirements—such as mandatory 60-day notices for conversion—are arbitrary and invasive, violating constitutional protections. The criticism is bolstered by evidence that similar laws in other states have led to harassment and violence, particularly against m...