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The Uttar Pradesh (UP) assembly has passed a contentious bill that significantly toughens penalties for unlawful religious conversions. The Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, replaces the existing 10-year jail term with a potential life sentence for those found guilty of such conversions. This move has been met with both support and criticism, highlighting the complex issue of religious freedom in India and the ongoing debate surrounding the government's approach to religious conversion.
The amended bill introduces a series of changes, making it more stringent than its predecessor. The most significant alteration is the increase in maximum punishment, from a 10-year prison sentence to life imprisonment. Additionally, the bill designates all unlawful conversion offenses as non-bailable, effectively preventing individuals accused of such crimes from securing release on bail. The amended legislation also expands the scope of individuals who can file complaints, allowing anyone 'associated with the victim' to report the alleged conversion. The existing law only allowed the victim to report the forced conversion.
The bill further introduces financial penalties, including a fine of Rs 10 lakh for individuals found guilty of unlawful conversion in association with 'foreign' or 'illegal' agencies. Additionally, convicted individuals could be ordered to pay compensation to the victim to cover livelihood and medication expenses. This raises concerns about the potential for misuse of these provisions, with critics arguing that they could be used to harass individuals and families on the basis of religion. The amended law requires that any case pertaining to illegal conversion be heard by a sessions court or higher. This move is intended to ensure that cases are handled by judges with greater experience and authority.
Despite claims by the ruling government that the amendment aims to bring justice to victims of unlawful conversion, the opposition remains deeply critical of the legislation. The opposition has called for the bill to be referred to a select committee for further review, arguing that the amended law could lead to an increase in false cases. The LoP Mata Prasad Pandey, in particular, has raised concerns that the lack of safeguards against false accusations could lead to individuals being wrongly imprisoned. He has urged the government to include a clause in the bill that would punish individuals who lodge false complaints, potentially with a one-year prison sentence. The government has defended the bill, asserting that the existing penal provisions are sufficient to deter individuals from filing false cases.
The passing of this amendment bill marks a significant step in the ongoing debate over religious freedom and conversion in India. The government's rationale for tightening the law centers around preventing forced conversions and protecting individuals from exploitation. However, the opposition argues that the amendments are overly broad and could be used to target individuals and groups on the basis of their religious beliefs. The impact of this legislation remains to be seen, with concerns about the potential for misuse and the need for greater safeguards against false accusations still looming large. The debate over religious conversion, particularly in the context of India, is complex and multifaceted, raising questions about individual liberties, societal harmony, and the role of the government in regulating religious practices.
Source: UP House passes bill to award life term for unlawful conversions