Madhya Pradesh has declared its cards on Love Jihad. Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the proposed law to prevent religious conversion by fraud.
Chouhan said the last is a part of the government’s Beti Bachao Abhiyan and would be taken up in the winter session of the assembly.
A marriage solemnised for the sole purpose of conversion would be deemed null and void under the proposed law. Police officers would probe all such cases. The offence would be non-bailable, cognizable and can be taken by Sessions Court.
Further, the burden of proof will lie on the accused.
Individuals willing to convert would have to make a declaration before the District Magistrate at least a month in advance.
Those violating could find themselves imprisoned for 1-5 years and fined no less than Rs 25,000. The quantum of punishment would be more if the victim is from the Scheduled Caste and scheduled tribe. Such offenders could find themselves in jail from 2 to 10 years and fined up to Rs 50,000.
Those who hide their religion before marriage could be punishable with 3-10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 50,000. Those doing mass conversions would be put behind bars by 5-10 years and fined Rs 1 lakh.
A complaint can be lodged against the offender even by parents and blood relatives of the victim.
Uttar Pradesh, it ought to be remembered, has already made one such legislation, the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020.
