Gujarat Govt Tables Bill Against 'Love Jihad' During Budget Session, Congress Leader Tears Copy In Protest

Gujarat 'Love Jihad' Bill: The proceedings of the Budget session became quite dramatic as Congress legislator Imran Khedawala was seen tearing a copy of the proposed Bill.

Representative Photo: Getty Images

Gandhinagar: After speculations and reports, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat tabled the Bill proposed to amend the 'Dharma Swatantrya' (Freedom of Religion) Act, 2003 on the concluding day of the Budget session on Thursday.

It aims to act against forceful religious conversions, dubbed as "Love Jihad" by a section of people.

The proceedings of the Budget session became quite dramatic as Congress legislator Imran Khedawala was seen tearing a copy of the proposed Bill.

Speaking about the provisions of the amendment Bill, Khedawala said, "Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja has only mentioned that the daughters of the Hindu community are targeted by men from a specific community. Daughters, be it from any religious community, will always be our daughters. I too have over hundred testimonies of Muslim girls marrying into other religion. I am deeply hurt by the words of the minister".

The Speaker of the House, Rajendra Trivedi, interrupted Khedawala but he continued speaking.

"Nobody can force anybody to marry into a specific religion and in no religion, it is written to forcibly convert anyone to accept that. In this Bill, only one community is specifically targeted with words like 'Jihadi'. I opposite this Bill and I'm tearing down its copy," Khedawala said as he tore the copy of the Bill which he had in his hand.

This was followed by an uproar from BJP members in the House.

Reportedly, the bill will have the provision of imprisonment for 3-5 years and up to Rs 2 lakh fine. In case of the victim being a minor, a woman, a Dalit or tribal, the offenders may be punished with a jail term of 4-7 years and a fine of not less than Rs 3 lakh.

Reports also state that as per this bill if any organisation is involved in the crime, or is found to be violating the law, the person-in-charge can be sentenced to between three to 10 years in jail with the fine going up to Rs 5 lakh.

As with anti-conversion laws in other states, marriages done for the purpose of such conversion will be declared void and the burden of proof shall lie on the accused. Parents, siblings, or any other person related by blood to the victim can lodge a complaint, and the offences will be considered non-bailable.

Gujarat is following BJP-ruled stated like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in bringing this 'anti-forceful conversion' legislation.

(With Agency Inputs)