UP proposes strict 'love jihad' law, accused may face life imprisonment

The Yogi government had initially enacted this law in 2021, which was formally approved by the legislature.

The BJP-led Yogi Adityanath government has introduced the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly, under which there will be life imprisonment for “love jihad” in the state.

The punishment for the already-defined crimes has been doubled. The bill also broadens the definition of “love jihad” to include additional offences, all of which could now warrant life imprisonment. The amended bill is likely to be passed in the assembly by voice vote on August 2.

Key provisions

The old bill has a provision for punishment ranging from one to 10 years. Conversion done only for marriage is invalid. Conversion by lying and cheating is considered a crime. In the event of voluntary conversion, the magistrate would have to be informed two months in advance. According to the bill, there is a provision of 1-5 years of imprisonment with a fine of Rs 15,000 for forced or fraudulent religious conversion.

In case, unlawful conversion happens with minors and women of the SC/ST community, the offender can face jail term of 3-10 years of imprisonment with a fine of Rs 25,000.

The bill stated that people wishing to convert would have to inform the district magistrate two months in advance. The violation of this could lead to a punishment of 6 months to 3 years and a fine of not less than Rs 10,000.

This Bill also needs the public prosecutor’s input before considering bail petitions. The punishment will also be decided based on the sensitivity of the crime, the social status of the women and if they belong to a backward community.

Opposition reacts

Samajwadi Party leader Fakhrul Hasan Chand criticised the state government over bringing amendments in existing law regarding “love Jihad”. According to him, the BJP only wants to do negative politics.

Chand posted a video on X. "The BJP government, which has brought the ordinance on Love Jihad, already has a law on it. If someone traps someone in his/her love trap with some motive, then there is a law for it, but BJP only wants to do negative politics. It does not want to do anything about unemployment and paper leaks,” he said. "Samajwadi Party understands that these are diversionary issues. These will not do any good to the people," the SP leader added.