Maharashtra Govt forms 7-member committee for action against ‘Love Jihad’ cases

Law to be enacted soon

Mumbai – On 14thFebruary, the Maharashtra Government established a 7-member committee under the leadership of the State’s Director General of Police (DGP) to take action against cases related to ‘Love Jihad.’ A law addressing this issue will soon be introduced. The Mahayuti Government has issued an official resolution regarding this matter. The committee, chaired by the DGP, will include one representative each from the Departments of Women and Child Development, Minority Development, Law and Justice, and Social Justice and Special Assistance, along with two members from the Home Department. If enacted, Maharashtra will become the 10th State in India to implement such a law, following States like Uttar Pradesh, which have already introduced similar legislation.

Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had indicated the Government’s intent by stating, “We will soon enact a law to prevent forced religious conversions and conversions through interfaith marriages (Love Jihad).”

In yet another commendable decision by the Maharashtra Government, the cabinet approves the formation of a 7-member committee to take action in ‘Love J!h@d’ cases.

To give justice and provide assistance to all the Hindu girls who are the victims of this traumatizing love j!h@d,… pic.twitter.com/iKxXf6xcUr

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 15, 2025

What does the Government resolution say ?

The resolution states that various organisations and some citizens have submitted petitions calling for legislation to prevent ‘Love Jihad’ and forced or fraudulent religious conversions. Some States in India have already enacted laws against ‘Love Jihad.’ Accordingly, the Government was considering forming a special committee to study the current situation in Maharashtra and enact a law against ‘Love Jihad’. Consequently, a committee has now been established under the leadership of the Director General of Police.

What will be the committee’s role ?

The committee will assess the current situation in Maharashtra and examine complaints related to ‘Love Jihad’ and forced or fraudulent religious conversions. It will recommend legal measures, verify legal aspects, and analyse existing laws in other States before making its recommendations for new legislation.

The word ‘Jihad’ was added just for political gains

Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh reacts strongly to the Government’s decision

‘Only for the sake of politicising this issue, the term ‘J!h@d’ is added to the whole thing’. – Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh’s reaction to the proposed 7-member committee to take action in ‘Love J!h@d’

It is very well known who the perpetrators of ‘Love J!h@d’ are, and while… pic.twitter.com/nG6bEvFlGv

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 15, 2025

Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh has opposed the Mahayuti Government’s decision. He stated, “The State Government has no data on how many ‘Love Jihad’ cases have occurred in Maharashtra. The word ‘Jihad’ was added purely for political purposes. A few days ago, the Government claimed that there were 1 lakh cases of ‘Love Jihad’ in the State, but not a single complaint has been officially registered with the Police. There is no evidence to support this claim. I will raise this issue in the Legislative Assembly.”

Editorial Perspective

It is well known who is responsible for ‘Love Jihad,’ and as cases continue to surface in large numbers, MLA Rais Shaikh’s statement appears to be an attempt to shield such activities.

Editorial Perspective

A Commendable decision by the Maharashtra Government. It is expected that a law will be passed at the earliest to curb ‘Love Jihad’ and ensure justice for Hindu women who fall victim to such cases.