UP Government: Passed Tougher 'Love Jihad' Bill with Life Imprisonment Provision

In a significant legislative move, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a revised bill aimed at tackling 'love jihad,' a controversial term used to describe alleged cases of religious conversion through deceit. The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes stricter penalties, including life imprisonment for certain offenses.

Legislative Process and Historical Context

The UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2024, also known as the anti-love jihad law, was formally introduced on Monday and passed by the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday. The bill amends previous legislation, which had been in place since November 2020 and was formalized into law as the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act 2021.

Key Amendments and Provisions

The newly amended bill, which is set to be debated and potentially passed in the state assembly on August 2, introduces severe punishments for offences related to 'love jihad.' Previously, the law imposed prison terms ranging from one to ten years. Under the new amendments, the maximum punishment for these crimes has been escalated to life imprisonment.

The bill broadens the scope of what constitutes 'love jihad,' expanding it to include additional offences. This includes cases where conversions are allegedly forced or fraudulent. Notably, the law now stipulates life imprisonment for crimes involving minors and women from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), with imprisonment terms ranging from 3 to 10 years and fines up to Rs 25,000.

In addition, the bill requires individuals wishing to convert to notify the district magistrate two months in advance. Violations of this provision could result in imprisonment ranging from six months to three years and a minimum fine of Rs 10,000. Furthermore, any bail petitions related to these cases must receive input from the public prosecutor, and the punishment will be influenced by the nature of the crime and the social status of the victim.

Opposition Criticism

The bill has faced criticism from opposition leaders who argue that it is a political manoeuvre aimed at distracting from pressing issues such as unemployment and educational reforms. Samajwadi Party leader Fakhrul Hasan Chand criticized the BJP for focusing on 'love jihad' while neglecting critical problems facing the state. He contends that the existing laws are sufficient and accuses the BJP of using the bill for negative political gain.

The revised bill's introduction and subsequent passage are part of the government's broader strategy to address concerns related to religious conversions, and it reflects ongoing debates about religious freedom and communal harmony in the state.

For more updates on legislative changes and their implications, stay tuned to our coverage.

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