Uttar Pradesh on Saturday became the first state in India to enforce an anti-love jihad law after Governor Anandiben Patel endorsed the ordinance.
Governor Anandiben Patel on Saturday promulgated the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020.
The new law will curb forcible religious conversions in Uttar Pradesh to check ‘love jihad’.
The state government had approved the draft ordinance to curb forcible or ‘dishonest’ religious conversions, including for marriage. Violators will now land in jail for up to 10 years.
For conversions of minors and women of SC/ST community, the jail term will be for three to 10 years with a Rs 25,000 penalty.
In case of mass conversion, offenders can be penalised with a jail term of three to 10 years and a fine of at least Rs 50,000.
Under the new law, a marriage will be declared null and void if the conversion of a woman is for tying the nuptial knot.
And those who wish to change their religion after marriage will now need to apply to the district magistrate.
