The recent violence against Christians and their property in Karnataka and Orissa highlights, once again, the dangers of violent Hindutva ideologies and groups that threaten the unity and integrity of India. For long, insecure leaders of radical Hindu groups have claimed that Christian missionaries are converting Hindus on the basis of fraud, inducement or coercion. Yet, they cannot produce empirical evidence of the growth of Christianity. What is clear and indisputable, however, is that most converts are either lower caste or tribal, and so suffer not only from State neglect but also the worst forms of Hindu social violence.

In this issue, we examine the nature of conversions and whether Indian law and society protects religious converts. India is a multicultural and secular State, governed by the rule of law. How should such a system react to the recent incidents of violence in BJP or BJP-allied States? In our legal discussion, we examine the constitutionality of conversions. Are all conversions allowed in Indian law? What are induced or coerced conversions and what is the law relating to them? These and other concerns are covered in this edition of Rights First.