A British church leader is facing criminal charges in India stemming from allegations of attempting to convert Hindus, raising concerns over the enforcement of a new religious law. Pankaj Devnoor, 50, who leads a Christian community in Manchester affiliated with the Anglican Episcopal Church International, was reportedly charged under the Freedom of Religion Act 2026. However, the legislation is not set to come into effect until later this week.
Devnoor had travelled to Pune, a city in western India, to participate in a 10-day religious event marking the 141st anniversary of a local church. The celebration included sermons and religious singing. Authorities accused him of proselytizing among the predominantly Hindu population, charges that his family has strongly denied, describing them as unfounded.
Devnoor's family has initiated a fundraising campaign aimed at securing his return to the United Kingdom, expressing concern over the legal process he now faces. The application of the Freedom of Religion Act, which is designed to regulate religious conversions, has stirred controversy and debate within India. Critics argue that the law may infringe on religious freedoms, while supporters claim it protects vulnerable communities from coercion.
The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious conversions in India, where anti-conversion laws exist in several states. These laws typically require individuals to obtain permission from authorities before converting and aim to prevent conversions by force, fraud, or inducement. The introduction of the Freedom of Religion Act 2026 at the national level marks a significant development in this legal landscape, though its enforcement remains a subject of scrutiny.
No official statements have yet been released by Indian authorities regarding the specific circumstances of Devnoor’s charges or the evidence against him. Meanwhile, human rights advocates are calling for due process and caution against the premature application of laws not yet in force. The case continues to unfold amid heightened sensitivities around religious expression and proselytization in India.