Instead of each State passing such an Act separately, the Central Government should pass an anti ‘Love Jihad’ Act across the country !
Bhopal (MP) – The Madhya Pradesh Government has followed the steps of the Uttar Pradesh Government and passed an anti-conversion Bill in a bid to curb Love Jihad cases. The State Cabinet has approved the Freedom to Religion Bill, 2020 draft.
Home Minister Narottam Mishra said that, under this Act, forcing someone to convert will attract up to 5 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs. 25,000/-. Forced conversion of a woman, minor girl or a person from scheduled caste or tribe may draw a jail term from 2 years to 10 years with a minimum penalty of Rs. 50,000/. Those who wish to convert willingly will have to submit an application to the District Collector a month before the conversion.
It would be mandatory to present the application to the District Collector for marriage or conversion. Failure to do so, will lead to strict action and harsh punishment.