Uttar Pradesh became the first State in India to approve the “Love Jehad” Ordinance called “Ordinance to Prevent Unlawful Religious conversions” which attracts a penalty of 5 years of jail term and fine of Rs 15,000.
State Cabinet Minister and Government spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh said the Cabinet has given its approval to prevent unlawful religious conversions in the name of marriage. The Cabinet meeting was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
According to the new law the inter faith couple will have to give notice of two months before the marriage and District Magistrate (DM) permission is required for the marriage.
“Inter religion marriage without permission will attract jail from 6 months to 3 years and a minimum cash fine of Rs 10,000,” the spokesman said.
Concealing the original name and religion before marriage will attract 10 years of imprisonment.
The new law said any violation of the law or conversion will attract one to 5 years of jail and minimum fine of Rs 15,000. In case of minor or SC/ST girl, the punishment will be between 3 and 10 years and minimum fine of Rs 25,000. Mass conversation will attract 3 to 10 years jail with a minimum fine of Rs 50,000, the Government spokesman said.
Singh told the media that the new law has been brought to give justice to the women in the State.
“In the State there are at least 100 such incidents where women were forced to convert after their marriage as the husband concealed their original names,” he said.