UP Govt’s Strict Action Against ‘Love Jihad’, Assembly Passes Bill Proposing Life Imprisonment For Accused

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Earlier the maximum punishment provided for those found guilty of marrying a woman by deceiving her and converting her religion was 10 years with a fine of Rs 50,000

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024 that provides for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh for violators.

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Yogi Adityanath-led UP government on Monday introduced an amendment to its existing laws on “love jihad”, proposing life imprisonment for those convicted under these offences. The bill also broadens the definition of “love jihad” to include additional offences, all of which could now warrant life imprisonment.

Additionally, the bill expands the scope of who can report “love jihad” cases. Previously, only victims, their parents, or siblings could file complaints. Under the new bill, anyone can submit written complaints to the police, which will then prompt an investigation.

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Earlier, the maximum punishment for those found guilty of marrying a woman by deceiving her and converting her religion was 10 years with a fine of Rs 50,000.

It has been proposed that if a person threatens, attacks, marries or promises to marry or conspires for it, or trafficks a woman, minor or anyone with the intention of conversion, then his crime will be placed in the most serious category. In such cases, there is a provision of 20 years imprisonment or life imprisonment.

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The amendment also proposed that such cases will not be heard by any court below the Sessions Court and along with this, the bail plea will not be considered without giving an opportunity to the public prosecutor. Also, all the crimes under the amended Act have been made non-bailable.

An ordinance was issued for curbing forced conversion in November 2020 and later, after the bill was passed by both the houses of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature, the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act-2021 came into force.

(With PTI inputs)