Bhopal:The Madhya Pradesh government has drafted the 'Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill' under which the accused on charges of love jihad will be liable for a sentence of 10 years and the registration of the institution legalising the marriage will also be cancelled.
The state government earlier was mulling a provision of a five-year sentence, however, after State Home Minister Narottam Mishra held a meeting in Bhopal on Wednesday the term was changed.
The Shivraj Singh Chouhan government is preparing to bring the Freedom of Religion Bill in the coming assembly session.
In a special conversation with ETV Bharat, Home Minister Narottam Mishra said, "In the coming days, no one will be able to do injustice to the sisters and daughters of the state. For this, a bill will be brought in the cabinet and a law will be passed in the upcoming assembly session to be held in December.”
Accused will be sentenced for 10 years
The proposed 'Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill' provides for punishment in line with the laws of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. There is a provision of 10 years of punishment for seduction or forcible conversion and marriage. Along with this, the registration of the institutions that would provide for conversion or marriage and provide financial assistance to the accused will be declared void.
Also read: Love Jihad coined to discredit word Jihad: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
What action will be taken against the institutions?
It was decided in the meeting that action will also be taken against the entities that provide financial assistance to accused to conduct such activities. The religious leaders who have converted without already applying will also be sentenced to 5 years.
What rules will apply for such marriage?
An application has to be made to the District Collector’s Office a month before the marriage after conversion. The Collector will summon both the parties and their families by sending notices and written statements will be taken from them, that the marriage or conversion is not being done forcefully. Only then the permission will be given by the collector. If without submitting the application, conversion and marriage is done by a Qazi, Maulvi or a priest, then a provision of 5 years punishment has been made against such people.
Family will be able to lodge a complaint
Complaints can also be made by the victim, her parents and family in the matter of seduction or deception, marriage and conversion. This offence will be cognizable and non-bailable. The accused himself will have to prove that the conversion or marriage has been done without any pressure, without any threat, without any greed. Marriage can also be made void under this law.
Also read: Every state should act on 'Love Jihad' cases: Mahesh Poddar
Government will closely look into the nuances of the law
Before finalizing the 'Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill', the government will understand the nuances of the law by sending a study team to other states. Only then will this draft be considered ready and after passing it in the cabinet, it will be put on the table of the assembly.
