Uttar Pradesh Enacts Love Jihad Law: Strict Punishment And Open Complaint Process Introduced

The UP assembly has passed a bill to prevent 'love jihad.' The law now enforces stricter measures against fraudulent or forceful conversions across the state and includes provisions for severe punishment for offenders.

For the first time, those guilty of 'love jihad'—luring and converting a woman in Uttar Pradesh and then harassing her—will face life imprisonment. To prevent serious incidents of illegal conversion, the government has expanded the law and increased the punishment period.

On the first day of the monsoon session, the UP Legislative Assembly introduced and passed the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill-2024.

Under this bill, if someone threatens or attacks another person to force conversion, or if they marry or promise to marry with the intent to convert, or traffic minors, women, or any person, their crime will be considered very serious.

In such cases, the accused will face at least 20 years in prison or life imprisonment, along with a fine. The court can also set a fine to cover the victim's medical expenses and rehabilitation.

Now, anyone can file an FIR for cases of conversion, just like in serious crimes. Previously, only the person affected by the conversion, their relatives, or close friends could file an FIR.

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