UP Assembly passes stricter Anti-Conversion Bill, Enhances punishment to life imprisonment

In a substantial development, the UP Assembly passes an amendment to the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2024, on Tuesday, July 30, tightening the laws against forced religious conversions. The new bill significantly raises the penalties, with life imprisonment now a possible sentence for the most serious offenses.

Previously, the punishment for fooling a woman into marriage or converting her religion was a maximum of 10 years in prison, alongside a ₹50,000 fine. The amended Anti-Conversion Bill, however, imposes stricter measures, enhancing the maximum punishment to life imprisonment.

Legal and Procedural Changes

Another significant aspect of the Anti-Conversion Bill is the provision for handling all forced conversion cases exclusively by the Sessions Court. The UP Assembly has passed this amendment to ensure that such cases are treated with the utmost seriousness. Additionally, bail applications for those accused of these offenses will not be considered without prior consultation with the public prosecutor. This procedural change aims to prevent potential misuse of bail and ensure that justice is served in a manner that upholds the seriousness of the offenses.

The bill has garnered attention and sparked debate among various political factions. Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and Azad Samaj Party, have voiced their criticism. They argue that the government’s focus on this legislation is a diversion from more pressing issues such as employment, price rise, and basic needs like food, shelter, and education.

A representative from the Samajwadi Party commented, “What else do they have? They are not doing anything new,” implying that the Anti-Conversion Bill is a political maneuver rather than a solution to urgent problems. Similarly, Azad Samaj Party MP Chandrashekhar criticized the government for prioritizing this bill over fundamental needs. He remarked, “The government is unable to fulfill the basic needs of people. They are unable to provide food, shelter, and housing… good health, good education, but they are totally focused on such issues because it suits them. For us, employment and price rise are the issues. So we are working on it.”

Despite the criticism, the bill’s proponents argue that the amendments are crucial for protecting individuals from forced conversions and ensuring justice for victims. The UP Assembly’s decision to pass this Anti-Conversion Bill reflects a commitment to strengthening legal measures against such offenses and addressing concerns related to forced conversions in the state.

As the Anti-Conversion Bill moves forward, it will be important to monitor its implementation and impact. The new provisions are expected to bring significant changes to how conversion-related cases are handled in Uttar Pradesh, potentially setting a precedent for similar legislation in other regions.

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