Karnataka Government Tables Anti-Conversion Bill In Legislative Council

Ahead of tabling the bill, Karnataka Law minister JC Madhuswamy said, "We are protecting our religion, we have brought this bill to stop forceful conversions. We have not restricted anyone's freedom."

Karnataka Legislative Assembly. (Image: ANI)

The Karnataka government on Thursday tabled the Anti-Conversion Bill in the Karnataka Legislative Council after it was passed in the state Legislative Assembly. The state legislative council has given nod to the contentious bill.

Ahead of tabling the bill, Karnataka Law minister JC Madhuswamy said, "We are protecting our religion, we have brought this bill to stop forceful conversions. We have not restricted anyone's freedom."

We are protecting our religion, we have brought this bill to stop forceful conversions. We have not restricted anyone's freedom: Karnataka Law minister JC Madhuswamy in Legislative Assembly on Anti-conversion bill

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The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill that prohibits forced religious conversions has been adopted by Karnataka Legislative Assembly in December 2021.

Under the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, for the people found guilty of conversion or attempt to conversion, will be penalised Rs 25,000 and will be imprisoned for three to five years. The bill also says converting a minor, woman or an SC/ST person will attract a jail term of 3 to 10 years, with a Rs 50,000 penalty.

Bill also terms mass conversions illegal as the accused will attract 3-10 years of jail time, with a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. The Bill also provides provision of payment of a compensation of Rs 5 lakh (on court orders) to victims of conversion by the persons attempting the conversion, and double punishment for repeat offences.