GUJARAT MANDATES APPROVAL FOR HINDU-TO-BUDDHISM CONVERSIONS, RECOGNIZING SEPARATE RELIGIONS.
Why in the news?
Gujarat mandates prior approval for conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, clarifying them as separate religions.
source:slideserve
About Buddhism as a Separate Religion:
- The Gujarat government clarifies that Buddhism is considered a distinct religion.
- Conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism now require prior approval from the district magistrate under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.
- The circular, issued on April 8, addresses discrepancies in handling conversion applications.
- Concerns arose as conversions to Buddhism weren’t processed according to regulations.
What is the Status of Anti-Conversion Laws in India?
Constitutional Provision:
About Anti-Conversion Laws in Various States:
○ Enacted to restrict religious conversions conducted through force, fraud, or inducements.
○ Imposes restrictions on religious conversions carried out by coercion or allurements.
○ Aims to prevent forced conversions and ensure freedom of religion.
○ Intended to regulate religious conversions and protect individuals from coercion or inducements.
○ Enacted to safeguard the right to freedom of religion and prevent forced conversions in the state. |
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