Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCourt to hear PIL by BJP leader and advocate @AshwiniUpadhyay against forced religious conversions.

#religion #conversion #SupremeCourtOfIndia

Read what the Central government stated in its affidavit in the matter, here:

barandbench.com/news/litigatio…

Hearing starts.

Justice Shah: Mr Datar is for whom?

Datar: Mr Upadhyay.

SC: Your entry is a surprise.

Sr Adv Sanjay Hedge: Represented by multiple counsel in similar pleas.

#SupremeCourt

SG Tushar Mehta: We have collected data. State of Gujarat has filed a response, there by mistake the HC stayed parts of a stringent law. I say this with responsibility.

SC: Mr Hedge said people are being offered ...

#SupremeCourt #religion #conversions

Hedge: I said some may be converting because they believe the deity will offer them something.

SG: Statutory regime will determine whether person is converting due to some food or change in belief.

Hedge: There is a Constitution Bench judgment.

#SupremeCourt #religion

Hedge: Please give me time.

SC: Are you saying we do not give? This is a very serious issue. We will give you the fullest opportunity.

SG cites Rev Stanislaus vs Madhya Pradesh judgment.

SC to @AshwiniUpadhyay: Like a God, you have faith in Datar now.

#SupremeCourt

[Hedge says something in Gujarati]

SG: There was heroine in Hollywood who had a bad reputation, for her someone said she can speak 9 languages but not say no in any of them.

#SupremeCourt #CourtroomExchange

Datar: Those States who want to should respond, but directions ...

SC: That is why we did not issue notice since we did not want to delay the matter. Otherwise some State will ask for time.

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SG: Kindly have it next Monday.

Adv: I am also on maintainability.

Justice Shah: Do not be so technical. We are not here to see who is right or wrongs but to set things right. If someone is offering charity to convert then ... Need to consider intention.

#SupremeCourt

SC: Do not take it as adversarial. Very serious issue. Ultimately it is against the basic ... of our Constitution. When everyone is in India, they have act per the culture of India.

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Counsel for a priest and rationalist organisations seek impleadment: Multiple pleas by Upadhyay have been withdrawn after arguments. This plea is based on hyperbole.

SC: We are at final disposal stage. We will not hear on maintainability.

Adv: Very well. No material at all.

Justice Shah: You want material, please take this (hands over copy of plea/affidavits).

#SupremeCourt

Order: At the request of Ld SG Tushar Mehta and so as to enable Union govt to file detailed counter after getting information from respective States on anti conversion laws, put up next Monday.

Hedge: Tuesday? all of us and my lords will have 80 odd matters.

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Justice Shah: It is okay. That day we will not keep 80. You are all there for us.

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