New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Friday asked a petitioner challenging the constitutionality of recently enacted Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Ordinance dealing with inter-religion marriages, to approach the High Court.
Refusing the writ petition, filed by one Vishal Thakre and few others, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde observed, "...approach the MP High Court. We would like to see the view of the HC first."
Recently, the Apex Court had refused to hear a similar kind of petition against Uttar Pradesh Ordinance over similar issue stating that it will not interfere in hearing of the case by the High Court.
The petitioner has contended that the ordinance approved by the Madhya Pradesh government violates a person's right to choice and privacy. The ordinance is against Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution, the petitioner said.
The Ordinance, promulgated last month, penalizes religious conversions through fraudulent means including those for the sake of marriage. It mentions ten years in jail in some cases.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had issued a notice on January 30 over a petition against the ordinance.
UNI PS SB 1805