Gauhati High Court Orders Arunachal Pradesh to Finalize Religious Freedom Rules Within Six Months, Ending 45-Year Delay.

The Gauhati High Court directed Arunachal Pradesh to finalize rules under the Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 within six months. This ruling came in response to a PIL highlighting the state's 45-year delay.

- 6-month deadline

- Act prohibits forced conversions

- Punishments: up to 2 years' imprisonment, Rs. 10,000 fine

The state government submitted draft rules for scrutiny. The court emphasized authorities' obligations.

Arunachal Pradesh must now implement the Act effectively, clarifying religious freedom and conversion regulations. This state is among eight Indian states with anti-conversion laws. The court's directive ensures timely action, addressing the long-standing delay.

Gauhati High Court Sets Deadline for Arunachal Pradesh to Finalize Religious Freedom Rules

The Gauhati High Court has directed the Arunachal Pradesh government to finalize rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 within six months. This ruling came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the state's 45-year delay in framing required rules.

The Act prohibits religious conversions through force, inducement, or fraudulent means, with punishments including up to two years' imprisonment and a Rs. 10,000 fine. Section 8 empowers the government to create rules to implement the Act.

The state government submitted draft rules for scrutiny and vetting by the Law Department. Considering this, the court declined to keep the PIL pending.

- 6-month deadline for finalizing rules under Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978.

- Act prohibits forced, induced, or fraudulent religious conversions.

- Punishments include up to 2 years' imprisonment and Rs. 10,000 fine.

- Draft rules submitted for scrutiny and vetting.

Justice Kardak Ete and Justice Budi Habung emphasized the need for authorities to fulfill their obligations. This development is significant, as Arunachal Pradesh is among eight Indian states with Freedom of Religion Acts or anti-conversion laws regulating religious conversions.

The court's directive aims to ensure the state government takes concrete steps to implement the Act effectively, providing clarity on religious freedom and conversion regulations in Arunachal Pradesh.