Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Hindu Dharma Parishad's Plea Seeking Measures To Monitor Christian Missionaries Activities

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a petition filed by Hindu Dharma Parishad seeking establishment of a Board to make surveillance and monitor the Christian Missionaries Activities.

The bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and AS Bopanna dismissed as withdrawn the SLP assailing Madras High Court's order dated March 31, 2021 wherein the bench of Justices MM Sundresh (now elevated as Judge of Supreme Court) and S Ananthi had dismissed Parishad's plea seeking the relief. 

The Madras High Court while dismissing the PIL in their order had noted that the prayer cannot be granted since it lies within the State's jurisdiction and there was an Act which provides for prohibition of conversion from one religion to another by the use of force or allurement of by fraudulent means. 

While dismissing the High Court in the order had said, 

"The prayer as sought for 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 learned Special Government Pleader produced a copy of the Act 56 of 2002, which provides for prohibition of conversion from one religion to another by the use of force or allurement of by fraudulent means and for matters incidental thereto.

We can only hope and trust that the official respondents would give effect to the provision of the 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."

Case Title: Hindu Dharma Parishad v Union of India| SLP (C) 12383/2021

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Click Here To Read/Download Order High Court's Order