UP officially becomes first state to bring anti-love jihad law in India

Uttar Pradesh became the first state to bring an anti-love jihad law after Governor Anandiben Patel promulgated the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020. The new law to curb forcible or "dishonest" religious conversions becomes applicable from today in Uttar Pradesh to check 'love jihad'. The development came days after the state government approved a draft ordinance to curb forcible or "dishonest" religious conversions including those for the sake of marriage, which could land violators in jail for up to 10 years.

On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Siddharth Nath Singh had informed about the state cabinet's decision to introduce an ordinance against unlawful religious conversions.For conversions of minors and women of SC/ST community, there will be a jail term of three to 10 years with a Rs 25,000 penalty. In case of mass conversion, offenders can be penalised with a jail term of 3-10 years and a fine of at least Rs 50,000. Under the anti-love jihad law, a marriage will be declared “null and void” if the conversion of a woman is solely for that purpose. Those wishing to change their religion after marriage need to apply to the district magistrate.