(Image source from: Twitter.com/myogiadityanath)

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly today passed an amendment bill to increase the punishment under the Religious Prohibition Act. The amended bill raises the maximum penalty for the offenses to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. As per the amended provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Unlawful Conversion Act, 2024 (Uttar Pradesh Unlawful Conversion Act), if any person threatens, assaults, promises to marry or abducts any girl child, minor or any other person with intent to convert her, the crime carries a penalty in the most serious way category. The amended bill calls for 20 years or life in prison in such cases. Previously, the maximum penalty for this was 10 years and a Rs 50,000 fine. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna introduced the bill in Parliament on Monday.

According to the amended provision, anyone can now file an FIR in case of conversion in such cases. Previously, the presence of the victim, parents, and siblings was also necessary, but now the circle has expanded. Now, anyone can give written information to the police. Courts under the jurisdiction of the Sessions Court cannot hear any case under the Act and no application for bail can be entertained without giving time to the public prosecutor. Prime Minister Yogi Adityanath has initiated a crackdown on the term 'love jihad', which has been directed by the Hindu regime that allegedly carried out violent conversions. An ordinance was passed in November 2020 and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions Act, 2021 came into force after the bill was passed by both houses of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.