The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has tabled the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Assembly.
The proposed amendments include enhanced penalties, potentially leading to life imprisonment in cases related to love jihad, a term used to describe alleged coercive religious conversions under the guise of marriage.
The bill has met with approval from BJP members, who argue that the tougher regulations will serve as a significant deterrent against deceptive practices.
UP Deputy CM & BJP Leaders Back Love Jihad Bill, While Opposition Criticizes It
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, speaking to reporters this morning, endorsed the legislation as a necessary step to curb unlawful conversions.
“This law will act as a deterrent and help in addressing the rising incidents of religious conversion under false pretenses,” Maurya stated.
BJP leader Mohsin Raza supported the bill, asserting that it will tackle fraudulent conversions where individuals conceal their identity to coerce marriages and conversions.
“If someone deceives and manipulates another person’s life, it is only fair that they face stringent consequences. The law should hold such impostors accountable,” Raza argued.
Conversely, the Samajwadi Party has denounced the proposed amendments, labeling them as a politically motivated attempt to sow division within society.
SP leader Fakhrul Hasan Chand however criticized the bill in a video message, claiming that Uttar Pradesh already has adequate legal measures to address deceitful practices related to marriage and conversion.
“The BJP is engaged in negative politics. This amendment is not about addressing real issues like unemployment or corruption but rather about targeting specific communities,” Chand contended.
In response to the criticism, Mohsin Raza accused the Opposition of being disingenuous.
“The need for stringent regulations is clear. The BJP’s commitment is to inclusive development, and it is unfortunate that the Opposition is framing this as a communal issue. Their resistance stems from a policy of appeasement,” Raza asserted.
The current law however imposes penalties of one to ten years of imprisonment for deceptive conversions and considers conversions done solely for marriage as invalid.
If the amendment is approved, the punishment for such offenses could be elevated to life imprisonment.
The Assembly is likely to vote on the revised law by voice vote on 2 August.
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