BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News) — The Catholic Archdiocese of Bangalore, speaking alongside religious minorities, civil society organisations and rights advocates, has urged Karnataka‘s government to repeal the state’s anti-conversion law and strengthen measures against hate speech and hate crimes.
The Oct. 29 appeal, written on the Archdiocese of Bangalore letterhead, and signed by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore and Mohammed Yahya Damudi, convener of the Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkoota, called on the Karnataka government to repeal the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, and strengthen laws addressing hate speech and crimes.
They said concerns surrounding the law and its enforcement raise “serious questions about the protection of fundamental rights, particularly for religious minorities and vulnerable communities.”
The statement argued that “anti-conversion laws criminalise our very existence as religious minorities and undermine the constitutional promise of freedom of conscience.” It said that for Christians and other minorities, the legislation is “not merely a law regulating religious conversion” but one that “casts suspicion on our very existence, religious identity, and expression of faith.”
The group emphasised that India’s Constitution guarantees “the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion under Article 25.” It warned that the law’s “sweeping restrictions and intrusive procedures” raise “serious concerns of legislative excess” and risk “transforming constitutional freedom into an activity exercised under the shadow of criminal prosecution.”
Call to repeal legislation
The representatives described the law as “an unacceptable constitutional overreach that must be addressed by its complete repeal.” They added that “religious freedom cannot meaningfully exist where individuals and communities must constantly defend the legitimacy of their faith and religious practices against suspicion of criminal wrongdoing.”
The statement said Karnataka has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in protecting constitutional freedoms and urged the government to “honour its promise and commitment to repeal the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, and restore confidence in the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, equality and dignity.”
Concerns over hate speech and crimes
The coalition also called for stronger action against hate speech, communal incitement and crimes targeting minorities.
“Freedom of religion and the right to live with dignity cannot be meaningfully protected when communities continue to face hatred, intimidation and threats of violence,” the statement said. It pointed to “increasing concern over hate speech, communal incitement and hostility directed against religious minorities and other vulnerable communities” and said the situation “demands an urgent and effective response from the Government of Karnataka.”
According to the statement, “speech that incites discrimination, hostility or violence threatens peaceful coexistence and creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.” The document said failure to address such conduct effectively “undermines public confidence in the rule of law and the State’s commitment to protecting every citizen equally.”
The representatives urged authorities to “review and strengthen the legal framework governing hate speech and hate crimes, including necessary legislative amendments,” while ensuring consistency with constitutional guarantees of free expression.
Broader policy concerns
The statement also urged the government to fulfil commitments made in its election manifesto and review laws and policy changes affecting marginalised communities.
It cited measures including the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, the removal of Category 2B reservation for Muslims, amendments to land laws and labour reforms. The representatives said such measures “continue to affect the livelihood of a large section of the people” and “create a sense of insecurity among the marginalised sections.”
“These ill-motivated policy changes have long-term effects on the fabric of society and the direction of development,” the statement said. It called on the government to repeal such measures and “develop a balanced and constitutionally compliant framework for the development of the society.”
Appeal for constitutional values
In its concluding appeal, the group highlighted Karnataka’s “rich tradition of religious, cultural and linguistic diversity” and said the state’s strength lies in people of different faiths and traditions living together “with dignity and mutual respect.”
It urged the government to translate “its commitment to constitutional values into concrete legislative action,” arguing that repealing such laws and strengthening protections against speech and crime targeting minorities would help create a state where “religious freedom, human dignity, economic security, and equal citizenship are guaranteed to all.”
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