Neethu S.T

Anti-conversion laws in India, while ostensibly aimed at preventing forced religious conversions, present significant challenges to the constitutional principles of secularism and fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 25-28 of the Indian Constitution. These laws have sparked intense debate due to their potential conflict with religious freedom, particularly the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion as enshrined in Article 25. The implementation of these laws has raised concerns about their misuse as tools of religious discrimination and their impact on inter-religious marriages under Special Marriage Act. Their varying interpretations across different states have created legal ambiguity, potentially undermining the uniform application of constitutional principles regarding religious freedom and secularism. The research examines how these laws affect India's secular fabric and suggests constitutional reforms to balance religious freedom with legitimate state interests in preventing forcible conversions.