SC seeks states’ reply on anti-conversion laws

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday sought replies from several states within four weeks regarding a batch of petitions that seek a stay on the laws dealing with religious conversions, which have been enacted and enforced by those states.

- SUCHITRA KALYAN MOHANTY

Directing the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttara-khand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand and Kar-nataka to file their respective replies in the pleas, a two-judge bench of CJI B R Gavai and K Vinod Chandran listed the matter to be heard next in six weeks once the reply by these states would be filed in the case.

Senior Advocate Chander Uday Singh, for Citizens for Justice and Peace, sought stay of the impugned legislations. He submitted that there was great urgency to hear the matter as States are making amendments to make these laws stricter.