Updated: November 25, 2020 8:23:19 am
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Aditynath. (Archive)
UTTAR Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday authorized a draft ordinance to control “illegal religious conversions” and “interreligious marriages with the sole intention of changing a girl’s religion”, with a prison clause of up to 10 years.
According to the “Uttar Pradesh Vidhi Virudh Dharma Samparivartan Pratishedh Adyadesh 2020” (prohibition of illegal religious conversion), a marriage will be declared “shunya” (null and void) if the “only intention” was “to change a girl’s religion” .
“Those who obtain conversion in violation of the provisions of the proposed law would face a jail term of up to 10 years,” said a government statement. If it is determined that the conversion is carried out “by force, through atrocities or cheating,” the crime will not be subject to bail.
“The cabinet has made a great decision … it was necessary to maintain normal law and order in the state and ensure justice for women, especially those from recognized castes and tribes,” said the Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister. , Sidharth Nath Singh, who is also the government spokesperson.
“More than 100 cases of forced conversions have come to light. The way in which religious conversions are made with deceit, lies, force and dishonesty is heartbreaking, and it was necessary to have a law about it, “he said.
Singh said the proposed law provides for a prison term of 1 to 5 years and a minimum fine of Rs 15,000. However, in case the woman is from the recognized caste or tribe or is a minor, the person can be imprisoned for 3 to 10 years, with a minimum fine of Rs 25,000.
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In the case of massive conversions carried out by force or through cheating, the prison term would range from 3 to 10 years, with a minimum fine of Rs 50,000.
“If someone wants to convert their religion after marriage, they must submit a request to the district judge two months in advance. Conversion can take place if permission is granted, ”Singh said.
Last year, the UP State Law Commission had submitted a report on the matter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with a draft of the ‘Uttar Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2019’, proposing that “conversion made with the sole purpose of contracting marriage is declared null and void ”.
The process of enacting a law was sped up after Adityanath recently said at a public meeting in Jaunpur that those who undertake “love jihad” must amend themselves or be prepared for their final journey: “Ram naam satya hai ki yatra nikalne wali hai”
The BJP-ruled states of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh have also tried to enact a law to verify what they say is “love jihad.” Last week, at least five opposition-ruled states condemned the move as a usurpation of personal freedom and an attempt to create a communal division in the country.
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