UP Assembly Passes Amended Anti-Conversion Bill

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on July 30, passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024 that enhances punishment for forced conversions. The punishment for marrying a woman by deceiving her or converting her religion was 10 years with a fine of ₹50,000. The new Bill now enhances punishment to life imprisonment.

What is UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024?

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna introduced the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the House on July 29. The proposed amendment states that if an individual threatens, attacks, marries, promises to marry, conspires, or traffics a woman, minor, or anyone with the intent to convert them, the offense will be classified as among the most serious. If any person is found guilty of this offence, there is a provision of 20 years imprisonment or life imprisonment.

Failure of government

Azad Samaj Party MP Chandrashekhar said, “Government is not able to fulfil the basic needs of people. They are unable to provide food, shelter, and housing, good health, good education, but they are totally focused on such issues because it suits them,” adding, “For us employment and price rise are the issues. So we are working on it.”