Source-This post on Anti-Conversion Law has been created based on the article “Medieval-minded” published in “The Hindu” on 5 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
Context-The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act was introduced in 2021. By 2023, more than 400 cases were filed under this law. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly made the law stricter.
What are the Key Changes in the Amended Law?
1) Increased Imprisonment & Penalties– The law now includes longer jail sentences for offenses, with up to 20 years or life imprisonment for forcing minors, women, or certain communities to convert. There are also strict penalties for receiving foreign funds for illegal conversions.
2) Stringent Bail Provisions- New rules make it harder to get bail. The public prosecutor must be given a chance to oppose bail, and the court must be convinced that the accused is not guilty and unlikely to commit the crime again.
3) Expanded Complaint Filing- Anyone can file a complaint about forced or fraudulent conversions. Previously, only the victim or their close family could file such complaints.
Read More- What are the issues in anti-conversion law?
What are the implications of these recent amendments?
1) Impact on Inter-Faith Marriages- The law’s validity is questionable because it criminalizes inter-faith marriages by classifying “conversion by marriage” as illegal. It declares such marriages invalid and requires people to notify authorities before changing their religion.
2) Fundamental Rights– The amendments might lead to more violations of fundamental rights. The law’s approach is seen as incompatible with democratic values and a progressive constitution.
Way ahead– The idea of strengthening the law is based on the claim that forced conversions are increasing in the State. However, it’s important to investigate whether this increase is real or if it reflects the misuse of the law against people in inter-faith marriages.
Question for practice
What are the main changes in the revised law, and what do these amendments mean?
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