Indian states have introduced or strengthened legislation to regulate religious conversions, particularly focusing on instances where conversions are perceived to be carried out under duress, deceit, or for the purpose of marriage—a phenomenon often referred to as ‘Love Jihad’. This term is used by some to describe alleged campaigns under which Muslim men target women belonging to non-Muslim communities for conversion to Islam by feigning love. While the term itself is contentious and not officially recognized, it has nonetheless influenced legislative actions in various regions.
Uttar Pradesh (UP) was among the first states to address this issue legislatively. In November 2020, the state promulgated the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020. This law aims to curb forcible or dishonest religious conversions, including those conducted for the sake of marriage. Under this ordinance, any marriage found to be solely for the purpose of conversion is declared null and void. The law prescribes imprisonment ranging from one to five years and fines for offenders. If the conversion involves minors, women, or individuals from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, the punishment extends up to seven years in prison. Additionally, those wishing to change their religion after marriage must apply to the district magistrate for permission.
Following UP’s lead, Uttarakhand implemented the Freedom of Religion Act in 2018, prohibiting conversions by misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or marriage. The Act stipulates that any marriage conducted solely for the purpose of conversion will be declared void. Violators face imprisonment ranging from one to five years and fines. If the conversion involves a minor, woman, or a member of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, the punishment can extend up to seven years. The Act also requires individuals intending to convert to provide a month’s notice to the district magistrate, who is empowered to investigate the intent and purpose behind the conversion.
In 2019, Himachal Pradesh amended its existing anti-conversion law to introduce stricter provisions. The amended law prohibits conversions by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or marriage. It also declares any marriage conducted solely for the purpose of conversion as null and void. The law prescribes imprisonment for violators, with increased penalties if the conversion involves minors, women, or individuals from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. Similar to Uttarakhand’s law, individuals wishing to convert must provide prior notice to the district magistrate, who can then conduct an inquiry into the intent behind the conversion.
Madhya Pradesh has also taken steps to regulate religious conversions. In 2021, the state assembly passed a bill penalizing religious conversions through marriage or any other fraudulent means, providing for a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The law also imposes fines, with increased penalties if the conversion involves minors, women, or individuals from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. The Act replaced an earlier ordinance promulgated by the state government.
Karnataka has also addressed the issue of forced religious conversions. In 2022, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-conversion Bill. The law aims to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions, including those conducted for the purpose of marriage. Violators face imprisonment and fines, with harsher penalties if the conversion involves minors, women, or individuals from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
In December 2022, the Maharashtra government announced plans to introduce legislation addressing ‘Love Jihad’. The move came in the wake of high-profile cases that reignited debates over interfaith marriages and conversions. While the administrative process for the legislation was yet to commence, the government indicated its intention to study laws enacted by other states to formulate its own.
Haryana has also taken legislative measures to address forced religious conversions. In March 2022, the Haryana Assembly approved the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill. This legislation aims to prevent conversions carried out through force, undue influence, or allurement, including those conducted for the purpose of marriage. Violators face imprisonment and fines, with harsher penalties if the conversion involves minors, women, or individuals from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. The law also requires individuals wishing to convert to provide prior notice to the district magistrate, who can then conduct an inquiry into the intent behind the conversion.
Himachal Pradesh has also strengthened its stance on unlawful religious conversions. In August 2022, the state assembly approved amendments to its existing anti-conversion law, introducing stricter provisions to prevent conversions carried out through force, undue influence, or allurement, including those conducted for the purpose of marriage. The amended law prescribes imprisonment and fines for violators, with harsher penalties if the conversion involves minors, women, or individuals from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. The law also requires individuals wishing to convert to provide prior notice to the district magistrate, who can then conduct an inquiry into the intent behind the conversion.
These legislative measures across various states reflect ongoing debates and concerns surrounding religious conversions in India. Proponents argue that such laws are necessary to protect individuals from coercion and deceit, ensuring that conversions are conducted freely and without undue influence. They contend that these laws safeguard vulnerable populations from exploitation and uphold.
