The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Yogi Adityanath, has introduced the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposing severe penalties for ‘love jihad’ cases, including life imprisonment. The bill has received support from the BJP, who view it as a necessary measure against fraudulent religious conversions, while the Samajwadi Party criticizes it as a divisive and politically motivated move aimed at fostering social animosity.
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- Bill Introduction: Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Yogi Adityanath’s government.
- Proposed Penalty: The bill suggests life imprisonment as punishment for ‘love jihad’ cases.
- BJP’s Support: The BJP supports the bill, calling it a step towards preventing illegal religious conversions and fraud.
- Deterrent Effect: UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya believes the bill will act as a deterrent against such practices.
- Criticism by SP: The Samajwadi Party criticizes the bill, describing it as divisive and driven by negative politics.
- SP’s Argument: SP leader Fakhrul Hasan Chand argues that existing laws already address fraudulent conversions and that the BJP’s move is politically motivated.
- BJP’s Counterargument: BJP leader Mohsin Raza contends that strict regulations are needed and accuses the opposition of appeasement politics.
- Current Law: The existing law imposes a punishment of one to ten years for fraudulent marriages with concealed identities.
- Future Amendment: The revised law, if passed, will impose life imprisonment for those convicted.
- Legislative Process: The amendment is expected to be passed in the Assembly by voice vote on August 2.
