MP's Legislative Assembly Passes Bill Related To 'Love Jihad'; Know Provisions For Punishment

In December 2020, The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet had given approval to the Bill in a meeting chaired by CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

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The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021 was passed in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Monday. The bill provides for a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment and heavy fine of Rs 1 lakh in case of fraudulent conversion through marriage or any other means. Any marriage that violates this law will be considered void.

On getting approval from Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, this law will replace the 'Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Ordinance, 2020', which penalised religious conversions through fraudulent means, including those for the sake of marriage.

"We won't allow forced conversions in Madhya Pradesh. Under the new bill, anyone who does it will face jail term up to 10 yrs and minimum Rs 50,000 fine," Shivraj Singh Chouhan had said.

"Under the new Bill, forcing religious conversion on someone will attract one to five years of imprisonment and a minimum Rs 25,000 fine," said Narottam Mishra, State Minister.

State Home Minister Narottam Mishra had introduced the bill in the House on March 1 and it was passed by voice vote after discussion in the Assembly.

In December 2020, The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet had given approval to the Bill in a meeting chaired by CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan.