Uttar Pradesh Assembly Considers Stricter Punishment for Unlawful Conversions

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly is set to pass a bill amending the Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, increasing punishments up to life imprisonment and Rs 5 lakh fines. The bill targets those involved in forced conversions and expands the scope for filing complaints. Introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna.

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly is set to deliberate on Tuesday a significant bill aimed at amending the Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, which seeks to impose life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh for violators.

The proposed legislation, the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2024, categorizes crimes involving threats, attacks, promises of marriage, or trafficking for conversion as the most severe offenses, punishable by up to life imprisonment.

Previously, under the Act, violators faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs 50,000. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna introduced the amendment in the Assembly on Monday.

The new provisions also broaden the scope for registering complaints. Any individual can now file an FIR in cases of unlawful conversion, unlike the earlier requirement for the presence of the victim or their family members.

Additionally, cases will only be heard in sessions courts, and bail pleas can only proceed after providing an opportunity for the public prosecutor to be heard. All crimes under this amendment have been classified as non-bailable.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spearheaded this initiative to curb what Hindu groups term 'love jihad,' addressing alleged forcible conversions. An ordinance issued in November 2020 laid the groundwork, leading to the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act-2021.

(With inputs from agencies.)