Lucknow, July 30 (Udaipur Kiran) — The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has decided to impose stricter penalties for crimes related to ‘love jihad’. The proposed changes include life imprisonment for such crimes. On Monday, the government introduced the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the state legislature. This bill proposes to double the penalties for previously defined offenses and introduces new crimes with provisions for life imprisonment.
The Yogi government had initially enacted this law in 2021, which was formally approved by the legislature. Under the original law, the maximum punishment was up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 rupees. The proposed bill seeks to expand the scope and severity of the punishment for these crimes. It also includes provisions for punishing funding of unlawful religious conversions, including funds from foreign entities or any illegal organizations.
Under the proposed amendments, anyone who threatens a person’s life or property, uses violence, makes promises of marriage, or conspires with the intention of religious conversion will face life imprisonment and a fine. The court will also have the authority to determine compensation for the victim’s medical expenses and rehabilitation.
The government argues that the sensitivity of these crimes, the dignity of women, and the protection of SC/ST and other communities from unlawful conversions necessitate tougher penalties. Therefore, this bill is being introduced.
Anyone Can Report Illegal Conversions
Another proposed change in the law involves expanding the scope of who can report incidents. Previously, only the victim, their parents, siblings, or other close relatives could report such crimes. Now, any individual can submit a written report to the police, which will then be investigated. All offenses under this law will be non-bailable, and cases will be tried in sessions courts or higher. Bail applications will not be considered without an opportunity for the public prosecutor to present their case.