The Andhra Pradesh Propagation of other religion in the places of worship or prayer (Prohibition) Act, 2007

THE ANDHRA PRADESH PROPAGATION OF OTHER RELIGION IN THE PLACES OF WORSHIP OR PRAYER (PROHIBITION) ACT, 2007 (Act No. 24 of 2007) ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS SECTIONS 1. Short title, extent and Commencement 2. Prohibition of Propagation of religion in places of worship etc. 3. Offences and Penalties 4. Placing order before the Legislature 5. Repeal of ordinance No. 3 of 2007 THE ANDHRA PRADESH PROPAGATION OF OTHER RELIGION IN THE PLACES OF WORSHIP OR PRAYER (PROHIBITION) ACT, 2007 Act No. 24 of 2007 [13th August, 2007] AN ACT EMPOWERING THE STATE TO PROHIBIT PROPAGATION OF RELIGION IN PLACES OF WORSHIP OR PRAYER OTHER THAN THE RELIGION TRADITIONALLY PRACTICED AT SUCH PLACE AND THE MATTERS CONNECTED THERE WITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO. Whereas, the founding fathers of our Republic had envisaged a polity that gave each citizen in our country the right to profess, practice and propagate religion of his or her choice; and this is the foundation of our Pluralist Society; And whereas, the fundamental right is circumscribed by the over arching concern to maintain public order, morality, and health; And whereas, the right to profess, practice and profess, practice and propagate religion is voluntary without any element of coercion; And whereas, if an activity of any individual or group of individuals is likely to adversely to impact public order, it needs to be curbed and reasonable restrictions can be placed on such activities; And whereas, in recent past, there have been number of instances where propagation of religious tenets in places of worship or prayer of one religious group by others has deeply hurt sentiments, disturbing peace and tranquillity of that area; And whereas, such incidents were reported from the world-renowned ancient temple like Tirumala and there were strong protests; And whereas, the Government perceived these as unwarranted intrusion into one religious group's domain which potentially could disturb public order; And whereas, the Constitution of our country guarantees all citizens an equal entitlement to freedom of conscience and this recognition of individual freedom and the spirit of mutual respect and coexistence among various religious denominations is the bed rock of our country's ideological frame work enshrined in the Constitution; And whereas, it has been decided to prohibit the propagation of other religions in certain notified places of worship belonging to any particular religion mainly to ensure that the sentiments of that religious group are not hurt and public order is not disturbed; Be, it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Andhra Pradesh in the Fifty-eighth Year of the Republic of India, as follows:- 1. Short title, extent and commencement - (1) This Act may be called the Andhra Pradesh Propagation of other religion in the places of worship or prayer (Prohibition) Act, 2007. (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Andhra Pradesh. (3) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 24th May, 2007. 2. Prohibition of Propagation of religion in places of worship etc. - (1) The Government with a view to maintain public order, tranquility and serenity of a place of worship or prayer, prohibit propagation of a religion other than the religion traditionally practiced at such place, by words, either spoken or written or signs or by visible representation or distribute any printed material or other forms of religious literature. (2) The Government by order shall notify such places of worship or prayer from time to time. 3. Offences and Penalties - Whoever contravenes the provisions contained in Section 2 shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years or with fine, upto Rs. 5,000/-(Rupees five thousand) or with both. 4. Placing order before the Legislature - Every order passed by the State Government under Section 2 shall as soon as it is made be laid before the legislature of the State. 5. Repeal of ordinance No. 3 of 2007 - The Andhra Pradesh propagation of other religion in the places of worship or prayer (Prohibition) Ordinance, 2007 is hereby repealed.