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.

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