The Yogi Adityanath administration in Uttar Pradesh approved the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Assembly on Tuesday.
This legislation introduces a life imprisonment penalty for cases of forced religious conversion. Previously, the punishment ranged from 1 to 10 years.
In addition to doubling the penalties for existing offenses, the bill also includes new offenses that carry a life imprisonment provision.
Funding for religious conversion brought under purview of crime
Under this law, funding for religious conversion has been classified as a criminal offense. This includes receiving financial support from any domestic or foreign entities. This is also punishable with life imprisonment penalty.
Additionally, threatening someone to convert their religion or causing harm to their life or property has been designated as a crime. The bill also addresses forced marriages and marriages conducted through deceit.
The court will have the authority to determine the amount of fines to cover the medical expenses and rehabilitation of victims.
The government stated that "there was a need to impose stricter penalties and fines in view of the sensitivity of the crime, the dignity and social status of women, and the illegal conversion of women, as well as individuals from SC-ST communities. Therefore, this bill is being introduced."