Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Saturday gave assent to an ordinance against forcible or fraudulent religious conversions that provides for imprisonment up to 10 years and a maximum fine of Rs 50,000 under different categories.
The state cabinet presided over by chief minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier this week approved the draft ordinance to curb forcible or “dishonest” religious conversions including those for the sake of marriage, which could land violators in jail for up to 10 years.
According to it, a marriage will be declared “null and void” if the conversion of a woman is solely for that purpose, and those wishing to change their religion after marriage need to apply to the district magistrate.
If individuals want to change their faith, they will have to apply in a prescribed format two months before the planned conversion. This is double the period stipulated in the 1954 Special Marriage Act that regulates interfaith unions.
Violation of this clause in the ordinance would make a person liable for imprisonment between six months to three years and a penalty of at least Rs 10,000.
The state brought the law roughly a month after UP CM Yogi Adityanath had taken the vow to end “love jihad.” However, the ordinance doesn’t mention the word “love jihad” anywhere, said UP law commission chairperson AN Mittal, who was involved in drafting the document.
Meanwhile, former UP CM and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav resolved to oppose it in the state assembly.
“Instead of this, bring an ordinance for the procurement of farmers’ produce. Bring an ordinance that will give employment to jobless youth,” Akhilesh exhorted the state government through a tweet while making it clear that his party was opposed to the state government move.
