Tue May 13 18:59:31 IST 2025: **Summary:**
A court in Golaghat, Assam, dismissed a case against a church leader, Pranjal Bhuyan, who was arrested in November 2024 under the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act, 2024. Bhuyan was accused of attempting to convert people through magical or faith healing. The Assam Christian Forum welcomed the court’s decision, calling the accusations baseless and a misuse of the law, which they claim threatened communal harmony. The forum reiterated its faith in the Indian Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom and urged caution in implementing the Healing Act to prevent future misapplications.
**News Article:**
**Assam Court Dismisses Case Against Church Leader Arrested Under Healing Act**
**Guwahati, May 13, 2025** – A court in Golaghat district, Assam, has dismissed a case against Pranjal Bhuyan, a church leader arrested last year under the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act, 2024. Bhuyan, the project coordinator of the Golaghat Baptist Church, was accused of attempting to convert individuals through magical healing and religious discussions.
The Assam Christian Forum hailed the court’s decision, denouncing the allegations as unfounded and a misuse of the controversial Act, which aims to curb deceptive healing practices. The Forum stated that Bhuyan’s arrest marked the first instance of a church member being targeted under the law and caused significant distress within the Christian community.
“This judgment stands as a testament to the judiciary’s impartiality and dedication to upholding the rule of law,” said Allen Brooks, spokesperson for the Assam Christian Forum. “While celebrating the outcome, we urge authorities and citizens to ensure the just and fair application of laws. The misuse of legislation, as in Mr. Bhuyan’s case, not only disrupts individual lives but also poses a threat to communal harmony and social trust.”
The Forum emphasized their unwavering trust in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing religious freedom, and called for careful implementation of the Assam Healing Act to prevent future misapplications and ensure the protection of religious liberties.
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