By Matters India Reporter
BENGALURU, October 30, 2026: Representatives of religious minority communities, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates have called upon the Government of Karnataka to fulfill its promise and constitutional obligations by repealing the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022.
The leaders also urged the government to come out with a comprehensive policy for protection against divisive, hate-mongering speech and activities, citing serious questions about the protection of fundamental rights, particularly for religious minorities and vulnerable communities.
In a joint statement issued Oct. 29, representatives stated that anti-conversion laws criminalize the very existence of religious minorities and undermine the constitutional promise of freedom of conscience guaranteed under Article 25.
The joint appeal was signed and endorsed by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore and Mohammed Yahya Damudi, Convener of the Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkoota (KRMO).
For religious minorities, particularly Christians, the legislation casts suspicion on their religious identity, existence, and expression of faith.
They described the law’s sweeping restrictions and intrusive procedures as an unacceptable constitutional overreach that risks transforming constitutional freedom into an activity exercised under the shadow of criminal prosecution.
The leaders noted that Karnataka has an opportunity to set an important precedent for other states by honoring its commitment to repeal the law and restore confidence in constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity, and religious freedom.
In addition to repealing the anti-conversion act, the groups called for urgent action to address hate speech, communal incitement, and hostility.
Citing growing concerns over intimidation and threats of violence, they called upon the state government to review, strengthen, and amend the legal framework governing hate crimes while ensuring effective enforcement, timely investigation, and accountability, without infringing upon constitutional guarantees of free speech.
Furthermore, the groups called on the state government to fulfill commitments made in its election manifesto regarding policies enacted by the previous administration.
These include policies that affect marginalized and downtrodden sections of society, such as the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, the scrapping of “Category 2B” reservation for Muslims enacted via a Cabinet Government Order on March 27, 2023, the Land Reforms Act amendment bill, and the Four Labor Codes.
The leaders urged the state to repeal these acts and establish a balanced, constitutionally compliant framework for development, noting that these policies threaten livelihoods and create insecurity among marginalized populations.
They emphasized that Karnataka’s strength lies in its rich tradition of religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity, calling on the government to translate its commitments into concrete legislative action.