India’s law commission is seeking public feedback on religious conversion procedures, a move some Christian leaders say is helpful for formulating a national policy on the highly sensitive issue.

The commission’s move came after the Kerala High Court said last year that the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 lacks “any specific procedure” for conversions or re-conversions to Hinduism.

The court was dealing with a joint application of a Hindu man and Christian woman seeking dissolution of their marriage at the time.

The court said that while conversion to Hinduism can take place, “the absence of any stipulations of law or specific recognized practices to facilitate such conversion is causing great difficulties.”

The Law Commission of India recently posted a paper on its website seeking public opinion by Aug. 20 on the kind of law or procedure that should be framed for establishing conversion.

The commission’s move is a “golden opportunity” for the Christian community to present its suggestions and campaign for a national law that would respect individuals’ freedom of religion, said Archbishop Leo Cornelio who is based in Bhopal, the  Madhya Pradesh state capital.

Madhya Pradesh and four other Indian states have laws restricting conversions. Some have clauses to punish conversions made without informing the state.

Archbishop Cornelio and other Church leaders have said that such laws are used to accuse Christians of converting poor people.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Isai Mahasangh (grand assembly of Christians) launched a campaign on July 29 to mobilize public opinion for a law that would prevent harassment of Christians.

The ecumenical forum has sent 1,000 emails to Church leaders across the country on the issue, said its coordinator Father Anand Muttungal.

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