December 28 marked one month since the controversial Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020 was passed by the state government of Uttar Pradesh.
According to government officials, the ordinance provides for one to 5 years of imprisonment, with a minimum fine of 15,000 rupees for forced conversion. Furthermore, it rules for 3-10 years of prison for the conversion of minors and women from the SC/ST community. The bill also provides for a jail term of 3-10 years and a penalty of 50,000 rupees for forced mass conversions.
Apart from this, interfaith couples who want to get married will need to inform the district magistrates two months prior to the marriage. Any violation of this will attract six months to three years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000. Marriages could also be declared null and void if they are found to have involved forced religious conversions, as stated by the officials.
Commonly referred to as 'love jihad' this law has been strongly criticised by many. Many feel that the law is reportedly targeted at conversion to Islam in particular and is aimed at preventing Hindu women from marrying Muslim men.
Supreme Court Advocate, Farah Faiz, believes love jihad is not a religious or political issue, it is a woman-centric issue.
Also Read: “Adult Indian Women” Write Letter To NHRC Against “Patriarchal” Love Jihad Law
Here is a look back at the last month:
51 arrests made, of which 14 cases were lodged
According to reports, UP police lodged 14 cases and made 51 arrests within a month. Of this recorded figure, 49 accused are still in jail.
Almost all the cases involve Hindu women
Of the 14 registered cases, 13 of them involve Hindu women. They were allegedly 'pressured' to convert to Islam, as reported by the police.
Only two cases were filed by the women themselves
Of all the 14 cases, only two of them had the women concerned as the complainants of their respective cases. All the other cases were filed by the relatives of the women.
Almost all the women involved are adults
All the women involved, except one, are adults. The alleged minor victim was reportedly from the Dalit community. The case was recorded in Dhampur Police Station, Bijnor.
More than half of the couples were mutually involved
Out of the total cases, there are eight cases where the couples reportedly described themselves as 'friends' or said to be in a relationship. One of the couples also claimed to be married.
Madhya Pradesh passes 'Love Jihad' bill
After Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh government approved the Freedom to Religion Bill 2020 as an ordinance in a special cabinet session today, after which it was sent to the Governor for approval.
Other states like Haryana, Assam and Karnataka are also reportedly planning to bring this legislation in their states.
Also Read: Interfaith UP Couple That Fled To Delhi Seeks Protection Against Possible ‘Love Jihad’ Allegations
Feminist & economist Devaki Jain also commented on Love Jihad during a recent interview with SheThePeople. Jain says we have no right to be vicious with young people. “Religion has been abused, not by us feminists or those who marry across religious domains and boundaries but by those who claim they are defending religion. This is not Hinduism or Islam, it’s old fashioned fundamentalism,” she said.
Sugandha Bora is an intern with SheThePeople.
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