UP Guv approves Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Saturday promulgated the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020.

This comes after Yogi Adityanath Cabinet on November 24 cleared the Ordinance, proposing a maximum punishment of 10 years for "love jihad" related offences.

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.

"There were more than 100 incidents reported in which forceful religious conversion was being done. Also, it was reported religious conversions were going on in the state using deceitful means. So to make a law on this becomes an important matter of policy now," Siddharth Nath Singh told ANI.

The new law mandates for jail term of the accused between one to five years, with Rs 15,000 penalty, if convicted for carrying out forceful conversions for marriage.

"For conversions of minors and women of SC/ST community, there will be a jail term of 3-10 years with Rs 25,000 penalty," Singh said.