Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh cabinet on Saturday passed the Dharma Swatantrya (Religious Freedom) Bill 2020 which outlaws marriages with an aim of religious conversions, reported news agency ANI.
Narottam Mishra, State Home Minister said, “Under the new Bill, forcing religious conversion on someone will attract 1-5 years of imprisonment and a minimum Rs 25,000 fine.”
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while batting for the bill, had called it his administration’s Beti Bachao Abhiyan or save the little girl mission. Nobody will have the option to convert anybody starting with one religion over then onto the next through marriage.
The chief minister said, “Any other fraudulent means by seducing or intimidating anyone” if the bill was passed. Government belongs to everyone, all religions, and castes. There is no discrimination but if someone tries to do anything disgusting with our daughters, then I’ll break you.”
This approval comes after Uttar Pradesh’s governor consents to the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020, against persuasive or deceitful strict transformations a month ago.
Section 3 of the bill states anybody found guilty of abetment to the religious conversion will confront detainment of one to five years and a fine of at least Rs 25,000. Endeavor to shroud one’s religion will be punishable by dthe etainment of three to 10 years and a fine of in any event Rs 50,000.
If a minor or a lady from Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) are constrained into conversion, the culprit will be detained for two to 10 years and fined up to Rs 50,000. Blood relatives of survivors of such religious conversion can file a complaint, the bill further states.
Provision for the detainment of five to 10 years and fine of at any rate Rs 100,000 is being made for endeavoring mass strict transformation (of at least two people).