CM Yogi Adityanath first introduced stringent anti-conversion laws in 2020 in Uttar Pradesh. The law was a reflection of the concerns over forced religious conversions, commonly referred to as ‘Love Jihad.’ Thus, the initial legislation on unlawful conversion in 2020 aimed to prevent individuals from converting others under false pretenses or coercion.
The law mandated that anyone converting their religion must notify the District Magistrate at least two months in advance.
This step would ensure transparency in religious conversions. And it would prevent forced conversions from being legally recognized. Therefore, the law was a much-needed measure to protect the vulnerable sections of society. In particular, it saved women and minors from exploitation under the guise of marriage or other inducements. Now, the Yogi administration makes the ammendements to this ordinance to make it even more difficult for conversion enthusiasts to target Hindus!
UP’s Anti-Conversion Act of 2021
In 2021, the ordinance was formalized into CM Yogi’s Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. This act included several key provisions:
- A maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 50,000 for those found guilty of forced conversion.
- Specific penalties for converting minors, women, and individuals from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
- The burden of proof lay on the accused to demonstrate that the conversion was not carried out forcibly or through fraud.
- The act also made all offenses under it non-bailable, emphasizing the seriousness with which these crimes were viewed.
- Despite its intentions, the law faced criticism from opposition parties and human rights groups who argued that it could be misused to target interfaith couples and suppress individual freedoms.
The Necessity Of Anti-Conversion Amendment 2024
On 29th July 2024, CM Yogi Adityanath introduced the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Amendment – 2024. This amendment sought to further tighten the provisions of the 2021 Act. The amendments respond to several ongoing concerns about illegal and mass religious conversions. The bill-turned-law introduced several significant changes:
- Lifetime Imprisonment: The maximum punishment for those convicted of forced conversions was increased from 10 years to life imprisonment. This change ensures that forceful religious conversion criminals will not be released after a short stint in jail.
- Wider Scope for Complaints: The ammendment expanded the scope for filing complaints. Previously, only the victim or close relatives could file a complaint. The amendment allows any person to lodge an FIR. Funnelling of Foreign Funds to propogate conversions shall also attract penalties and fines.
- Stricter Penalties: The ammedment grants rigorous imprisonment for those involved in forced conversions of minors, women, or individuals from Scheduled Castes or Tribes. The sentences for the same will range from 20 years to life imprisonment.
- Enhanced Fine and Compensation: The amendment mandates higher fines, up to Rs 5 lakh, to be paid to the victim for medical expenses and rehabilitation. This is in addition to any other fines imposed.
- Non-Bailable Offenses: All offenses under the act would continue to be non-bailable, ensuring that accused individuals face stringent legal scrutiny.
Why Are Anti-Conversion Laws Essential For Sanatani Society?
The introduction and subsequent amendments of the anti-conversion laws in Uttar Pradesh are essential to the existence of Sanatana Dharma. They provide essential protection to the Sanatani society, which faces aggressive proselytization tactics from both Islam and Christianity. Forced or duped conversions aim at the weaker sections of society. They misuse the naivete of the rural population to fool them into accepting conversion.
Most times conversion is presented to the naive as a social upliftment of the economically weaker sections of Sanatani society.
- Firstly, food, medicine, and clothes are a common form of enticing unsuspecting Hindus into accepting conversion.
- Secondly, some forms of conversion misuse the emotions of the individual, like Love Jihad, to convert the Hindu in society.
- Lastly, material benefits and minority quotas in addition to access to minority resources are great inducements to change religions.
Hence, most religious conversions are usually based on need or greed rather than actual faith.
Consequently, the aggressive enthusiasm for conversion disrupts the social fabric and threatens the cultural and religious identity of the Sanatani community and the nation.
Thus, these laws aim to safeguard individuals from coercion and preserve the sanctity of religious practices. Places like UP suffer from significant religious diversity, therefore, ensuring religious freedom involves protecting vulnerable populations from coercive practices using laws. Thus, the amendment to the 2021 Act is a necessary tool to combat organized efforts by certain groups to alter the demographic composition through deceitful conversions. These stringent measures added to the 2021 Anti-Conversion Act should deter conversion enthusiasts from rampantly acting without heed to consequences.
Points to Ponder
Many Le-Li ‘sickulars’ look at the Anti-Conversion law with suspicion. They think that the laws may impede several clauses of Article 25 or “Freedom to Religion”. However, they need to understand that the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Amendment 2024, represents the urgent need of the people of the state.
The Yogi administration is trying to protect religious freedom and prevent exploitation through false means.
If the change of faith comes from the heart the person will follow the stipulated process and convert. However, usually it comes from a place of momentary requirements or false promises. In such cases, the individual shall be saved with the amendments. The ammended ability for outsiders to report instances of fraud conversions ensures that the ‘weak and meek’ stay safe. Additionally, the increased fines and penalties retard actions of those who hold a deviant agenda behind the conversion enthusiasm.
Thus, the amendment helps to preserve the Sanatani Atman of the state of Uttar Pradesh from external threats. Transparency in religious conversions will be ensured, while fraudsters will stand exposed. As the amendment becomes law, it represents the last hope of the Sanatani community. Let these Amendments ensure safety and security of Hindus in Uttar Pradesh!
References:
- https://prsindia.org/bills/states/the-uttar-pradesh-prohibition-of-unlawful-conversion-of-religion-ordinance-2020
- https://prsindia.org/files/bills_acts/acts_states/uttar-pradesh/2021/Act%20No%203%20of%202021%20UP.pdf
- https://prsindia.org/files/bills_acts/bills_states/uttar-pradesh/2020/UP%20Prohibition%20of%20Unlawful%20Conversion%20of%20Religion%20Ordinance,%202020%20.pdf
- https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/pdf_upload-385199.pdf