Maharashtra Set to Join Growing List of States with Anti-Conversion Law

In passing an anti-conversion law in the Assembly, Maharashtra is set to join an increasing group of states that have one since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power in 2014. Such a law is now somewhat de rigueur from chief ministers of the party and, in the present case, even the main opposition, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), supported it. They too needed to establish their Hindutva credentials.

Conversions, not just in India but across the world, especially by Christian missionaries, have been accompanied by elements of inducement. There are also however many who convert because of a genuine change of faith. The present law targets inducements, force, undue influence, and more, but as with how such laws are written, it makes it as difficult as possible for everyone. The Maharashtra law is no different. It tangles whoever wants to change his or her religion in red tape. Prior notice has to be given to the Collector. There is a period where others can raise objections. And even after the conversion, there are review mechanisms.

There are extra punishments for converting with inducements non-adults and those from scheduled castes and tribes. These groups have often been the largest category of those who get converted, the reason being their historic status in Hinduism.  Not too far in the past a large percentage of northeast tribes converted to Christianity. India today is however different. There isn’t the crushing poverty, social oppression, or neglect that makes conversion appealing. And if someone chooses a better life that another religion promises to provide for it, is there an objective argument, removed from the sentiment of protecting religion, against it?

Laws however move according to the winds of cultural and political forces, and in the present moment being a protector of Hinduism is a label that politicians need to have on their resume. The Maharashtra law, to be fair, is religion-neutral, so it applies to those converting to Hinduism too. Would a ghar wapsi campaign count as inducement? Not in the present political climate. But at some point in the future, it is possible that another government of a different dispensation can use these laws against Hindu organisations. There is also then the inevitable fate of all laws in India to become an instrument for corruption. Those who are getting converted will just have to pay a little to get the paperwork through. Those inducements, long illegal, remain perpetually present.