Conversion for benefits is fraud on Constitution – SC

1. Key Highlights of the Judgment

1. Freedom of Religion is Not Absolute
   The Supreme Court clarified that while religious freedom is a fundamental right, it does not grant individuals the right to abuse this freedom for ulterior motives. Conversion solely for availing benefits, such as quotas or government subsidies, is a misuse of constitutional provisions.

2. Fraudulent Conversions Undermine Equality
   The Court observed that conversions for benefits distort the very essence of constitutional safeguards designed to uplift marginalized communities. It argued that such practices perpetuate inequality and betray the principles of justice and fairness.

3. Impact on Social Justice
   The Court noted that benefits reserved for specific socio-religious groups are intended to redress historical disadvantages. Misusing these provisions through fraudulent conversions denies rightful beneficiaries their due and violates the constitutional mandate of social justice.

4. Secularism and Accountability
   The ruling emphasized that India’s secular framework requires a balance between religious freedom and accountability. Conversion should stem from genuine conviction, not opportunism.

2. Historical Context

The issue of fraudulent conversions is not new. The framers of the Constitution debated religious freedoms extensively. They ensured that while individuals could change their faith voluntarily, any coercion, fraud, or inducement in the process would be deemed unconstitutional.

In subsequent years, several cases of mass conversions, often driven by socio-economic incentives, raised alarms about the sanctity of constitutional provisions. The apex court’s judgment reaffirms these foundational principles.