Uttar Pradesh passes contentious bill prohibiting conversion from one religion to another by marriage | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Uttar Pradesh passes contentious bill prohibiting conversion from one religion to another by marriage

By | Edited by Amit Chaturvedi
Feb 24, 2021 06:13 PM IST

This bill will replace an ordinance which was already in place. The bill will now be sent to upper house of the state legislature and later to the Governor for his nod after which it will become act.

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday cleared a contentious bill prohibiting conversion from one religion to another by marriage. The Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2021 was passed by the assembly by voice vote.

The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh had vowed to bring such law last year.(ANI File Photo)
The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh had vowed to bring such law last year.(ANI File Photo)

This bill will replace an ordinance which was already in place. The bill will now be sent to upper house of the state legislature and later to the Governor for his nod after which it will become act.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The ordinance titled “Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance”, was promulgated on November 24. It outlawed religious conversions by marriage, coercion, deceit or enticement.

It prescribed a jail term varying between one to five years, in addition to fines of up to 15,000 for those convicted under it. The jail term goes up to 10 years and fine up to 25,000 for conversions of women belonging to scheduled caste or scheduled tribe communities or who are minors.

The ordinance was promulgated after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath vowed to end “love jihad”, a term used by right-wing activists to describe marital relationships between Muslim men and Hindu women.

The Supreme Court had refused to stay the ordinance, but agreed to examine it. The top court had also issued notice to the Centre and UP government last month.

The court sought to know whether the law in question violates fundamental right to practice one’s religion, guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution among other rights protected under Article 14 (right to equality), 15 (right against discrimination) and 21 (right to dignity).

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On