Maharashtra Government Establishes Committee to Investigate Legal Measures Against 'Love Jihad' and Forced Conversions
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra government has formed a committee led by the state police chief to explore legal actions against 'love jihad' and forced conversions, responding to increasing demands from various groups and politicians.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government forms a committee to address 'love jihad'.
- The committee is chaired by the state police chief.
- Recommendations may lead to new legislation.
- Pressure from BJP and other organizations is increasing.
- Focus on preventing forced conversions and deceptive practices.
Mumbai, Feb 14 (NationPress) In response to calls from elected officials and various organizations, the Maharashtra government has formed a seven-member committee led by the state director general of police to examine legal measures aimed at addressing 'love jihad' (a term used to describe interfaith relationships) and forced conversions or deceitful conversions.
This committee is tasked with providing recommendations for potential legislation in the state, similar to laws already enacted in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
The committee includes secretaries from the departments of women and child development, minority development, law and judiciary, social justice and special assistance, as well as home affairs.
A government resolution, signed by Home Department deputy secretary Hemant Mahajan, was released on Friday.
“Numerous elected officials (both current and former), organizations, and citizens have urged the state government to implement legislation to combat Love Jihad and forced conversions. Some states have already enacted such laws. A dedicated committee has been set up to assess the current landscape and propose measures to counter Love Jihad, forced conversions, and deceptive conversions,” the resolution states.
The committee is charged with suggesting ways for the state to establish its own legal framework in this area.
This initiative from the state government is significant, especially given the increasing pressure from BJP legislators and various groups advocating for stringent laws against Love Jihad and forced conversions.
BJP legislator Nitesh Rane has been a prominent advocate for this cause since December 2022, making a compelling case for legislation against Love Jihad and forced conversions.
“Numerous protests are being organized to demand strict laws against Love Jihad. Alongside a delegation of women, we have urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Fadvanis to create a law as well as an anti-conversion law modeled after those in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh,” he stated.
Former deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis indicated in December 2022 that the state government would review laws enacted in other states concerning forced conversions.
“We have not reached a decision yet, but we will examine the laws established by other states on this matter,” he mentioned.
Fadnavis had previously remarked that the state government was considering introducing a law to combat 'Love Jihad', noting that before any decisions are made, there will be a thorough study of similar legal frameworks in other regions.
Recently, BJP minister Nitesh Rane, speaking at the Sakal Hindu Samaj rally on February 4, asserted that the state government, influenced by a Hindutva ideology, would not accept “love jihad, land jihad, and cow slaughter.”
