U.P. Assembly Passes Stringent Bill on Anti-Conversion Law

U.P. Assembly Passes Stringent Bill on Anti-Conversion Law

The Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has passed the Uttar Pradesh Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on Tuesday, introducing stricter penalties for those found guilty of coercing individuals into religious conversion through deceit, particularly in cases involving marriage. The Bill provides for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for such offenses, significantly increasing the severity of the law from its previous iteration.

Under the new provisions, any person can now file a First Information Report (FIR) in cases of unlawful conversion, a departure from the Unlawful Conversion Act, 2021, which required the presence of the victim, her parents, or siblings to file a complaint. The amended Bill also categorizes crimes such as threatening, attacking, marrying, or promising marriage with the intent to convert, or trafficking a woman, minor, or anyone for conversion purposes, as the most serious offenses. These crimes now carry penalties of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.

Furthermore, the Bill stipulates that cases of unlawful conversion will only be heard by a Sessions Court, and bail applications will not be considered without the involvement of a public prosecutor. All crimes under the amended Act have been classified as non-bailable, reflecting the law's stringent stance on this issue.

The Bill's passage has ignited a debate over the balance between preventing forced conversions and protecting individual freedoms, with the political implications of the law being hotly contested.

Key Facts

Legislation Overview: The bill is designed to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions, especially in the context of marriage, commonly referred to as "love jihad."

Key Provisions:

• Non-Bailable Offense: The bill makes forced religious conversions a non-bailable offense.
• Punishments: It outlines severe penalties, including:
• General Cases: A minimum of 1 year and up to 5 years of imprisonment, along with a fine of ₹15,000.
• Sensitive Cases: Involving minors, women, or individuals from SC/ST communities, the punishment ranges from 3 to 10 years and includes a fine of ₹25,000.
• Mass Conversions: In cases of mass conversions, the penalty can extend up to 10 years in prison and a fine of ₹50,000.
• Pre-Marriage Notification: Individuals intending to convert to another religion for marriage must notify the district magistrate at least two months before the ceremony.

Criticism and Legal Challenges:

• Criticism: The law has faced criticism for potentially infringing on personal freedoms and the right to marry a person of one's choice, as highlighted by legal experts and rights groups.
• Legal Challenges: Several petitions have been filed challenging the constitutionality of the law, arguing that it violates fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution