'Gujarat govt studying anti-conversion laws of MP & UP': Dy CM Patel on Love Jihad law

Gujarat government is examining 'Love Jihad' law enacted by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to curb "forced religious conversions by marri," Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said on Friday.

BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have brought Freedom Of Religion law to stop forceful conversions through marri or by any or fraudulent means. laws provide for long prison terms and hefty fines for violators.

"Some people indulge in trapping or alluring or cheating Hindu girls to marry m. But we have seen that most of time, such girls regret taking this step as y and ir families are never happy in such situations. This also creates division in society," Patel said in reply to a question.

READ | Allahabad HC Grants Protection To Interfaith Couple Amid Anti-Love Jihad Thrust In UP

Deputy CM furr said that Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh governments have formed laws to stop forceful conversion to avoid tension between different communities. He said Gujarat government has also received such representations from different organizations and people.

"We are studying effectiveness, long-term effects, and legal standing of laws made by UP and MP. Gujarat government will take a decision at an appropriate time regarding bringing such a law," he said.

READ | MP Cabinet Approves Freedom Of Religion Bill 2020; Min 2-10 Years Jail Term For Violators

UP's 'Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion' legislation

Uttar Pradesh government passed  'Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion Law 2020' on vember 28, making forceful religious conversion through marri, punishable with a jail term of 1-5 years with Rs.15,000 penalty. Moreover, if woman is a mir or belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, jail term will be between 3-10 years and penalty up to Rs.25,000. law also punishes mass conversions with a jail term of 3-10 years and a fine of Rs.50,000 on organizations conducting it. 

READ | Act Against 'forced Conversion' Comes Into Force In HP Over A Year After Being Passed By Assembly

MP's Freedom of Religion law

'MP Freedom to Religion Law, 2020' prohibits religious conversion by financial 'allurement', fraudulent, and forceful means. Forceful conversions will attract a minimum penalty of Rs 25,000 and imprisonment of 1-5 years. Moreover, forced conversion of a mir woman or a person from Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe would draw a minimum jail term of 2-10 years with a minimum penalty of Rs 50,000. 

READ | UP Woman Goes Missing, Cops Lodge Case Against Man Under Anti-conversion Law