BJP-ruled UP passes stricter anti-conversion law targeting Muslims
Lucknow: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh has enacted a bill introducing stringent amendments to the anti-conversion law, under the guise of addressing “love jihad.”
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, presented by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and passed today, significantly escalates the penalties for unlawful conversions.
The revised law mandates life imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, and stricter bail conditions for those convicted. Previously, penalties were limited to up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to RS 50,000.
The amendment broadens the scope of who can file complaints under this law, allowing “any person” to report violations, rather than restricting it to victims or close relatives. Additionally, for mass religious conversions, the bill proposes 7-14 years of imprisonment with a minimum fine of Rs 1 lakh, up from the previous 3-10 years and Rs 50,000 fine.
The amendments are widely perceived as targeting Muslims, reinforcing claims of the bill being used as a tool for communal discrimination.
