Banglore (Karnataka): The Karnataka state government is likely to adopt the resolution for the passage and implementation of legislation against Love Jihad in the state.
Earlier, the UP government passed a new law that will make inter-faith marriages null and void if, upon investigation, they have been found to involve forced conversion.
As per the new law, a penalty of five years in jail along with a fine of Rs 15,000 will apply for forced conversion.
The law also looks to impose a jail term of between two and seven years and a fine of Rs. 25,000 in cases where forced conversion involves minors or women belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
The BJP's Karnataka state executive on Saturday adopted resolutions for the passage and implementation of legislation against inter-faith marriages and cow slaughter in the state.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has an interest in implementing the law against love Jihad. Thus, the Home Ministerial Department is in the process of preparing for the Prevention of Love Jihad in the state.
The first case of love jihad in the state was reported in 2009. A Hindu girl from Chamarajanagar had eloped with a Muslim boy. The girl's father went to the High Court and accused the man of taking his daughter forcefully.
The High Court referred the case to the CID. However, the facts of the Love Jihad in the investigation were not proven. Investigations proved that the girl voluntarily converted and got married to him.
Also read: Family claims police pressure in 'love jihad' arrest
Since then, there has been a sound of Love Jihad in the state. When the BJP government was in power in 2011, the Love Jihad was the subject of debate in the assembly. BJP MLA Mallika Prasad had reported that 84 young women were missing in Dakshina Kannada district
In 2017, the father of a Hindu young woman lodged a complaint with Shivamogga police and accused her daughter of having a forcible inter-religious marriage.
In 2018, the daughter of the leader of a Kasargod-based Hindu pro organization was accused of eloping with a Muslim boy. Love Jihad's matter was also heard on that occasion. But, so far, no Love Jihad allegations have been proven in the investigation.
According to the Act, a social organization that organizes mass conversions will take strict action in addition to the cancellation of registration. Mass conversion is punishable by a fine of up to 50,000 for 3-10 years imprisonment. Under the Act, the responsibility of proving that conversions are not forcible, malicious, influential, or fraudulent is on the person who is converting.
The person who converts for the purpose of marriage should inform the District Magistrate two months in advance. If the permission is granted, the person will get married. Violation of this rule will result in a maximum penalty of 6 months to 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10,000.
The BJP government has decided to introduce a law on Love Jihad. But after getting legal advice from an expert, Home Department sources said.
Already the Allahabad and Karnataka High Court has issued a clear ruling that adults are free to choose their spouses. Thus it is only after consultation with legal experts that the government will come up with an overview. The government is worried that it will increase the likelihood of legal complications later if it is hurriedly submitted.
The other states, such as Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Assam, are planning to enact law in the state after reviewing the constitution of the law. In addition, it has decided to review and report on the cases of forced conversions registered in the state. Sources said that it was only after that the board decided to submit it in the upcoming session
