Anti-conversion law: Big fight today

BJP govt introduces controversial bill, Cong chief DK Shivakumar tears up bill in mark of protest.

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Belagavi: Setting the stage for a confrontation, the BJP government on Tuesday tabled the ‘Karnataka Protection of Rights to Freedom of Religion bill, 2021’, popularly known as ‘Anticonversion bill in the Assembly on Tuesday. A discussion is expected on Wednesday The Opposition Congress and JD(S) are fiercely opposing the bill with KPCC President DK Shivakumar tearing it up in protest and his party calling it “draconian and anti-Constitution”.

The bill provides for protection of right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by fraudulent means. It proposes an imprisonment from three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000. It also has a provision for the accused to pay Rs five lakh to those made to convert.

No conversion under coercion

The draft bill says “conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, allurement or marriage’’ is prohibited. No person shall convert or attempt to convert any other person by use of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement.”

Give notice in advance

Any person wanting to convert will have to give a notice two months in advance to the district magistrate while the person carrying out the conversion must give a notice one month in advance so an inquiry can be held..