Retired Chief Justice S. Muralidhar has denounced anti-conversion laws as a direct assault on personal freedom, arguing that they are designed to strip individuals—especially Dalits—of their right to choose their faith.
Speaking at a panel discussion on February 28, Muralidhar criticized the fundamental assumption behind such laws, which suggest that any religious conversion must be the result of coercion. He pointed out that the burden of proof is unfairly placed not on the individual making the choice but on those accused of facilitating the conversion.
“These aren’t just laws against forced conversions; they are laws against choice itself,” he asserted. “There’s an inherent belief that if someone leaves their religion of birth, it must be because of intimidation. This presumption warps the law’s intent and disproportionately impacts Dalits, who often seek a spiritual escape from caste oppression.”
Muralidhar further highlighted how the bureaucratic obstacles embedded in these laws expose individuals to public scrutiny and harassment. “A Dalit embracing Buddhism now has to justify their decision to a district magistrate, essentially making their private choice a public spectacle. This completely undermines privacy, freedom of religion, and autonomy over personal beliefs,” he said.
The former judge also took issue with the laws’ broad scope, which permits almost anyone—from distant relatives to vigilante groups—to lodge complaints, leading to widespread intimidation. “These groups actively monitor official notices of interfaith marriages and conversions, using them as pretexts to harass and threaten individuals,” he explained.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Muralidhar questioned whether merely striking down these laws would be enough to effect real change. “The real challenge is not just legal reform but societal transformation. Until we confront and dismantle deep-seated prejudices, true emancipation will remain out of reach.”
