The much controversial anti-conversion bill is now a law in Karnataka after Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot gave his assent to the Ordinance.

The approval gives effect to the Karnataka Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, commonly known as the anti-conversion bill, amid much opposition from and just a day after Bengaluru Archbishop Peter Machado along with a Christian delegation, called on him requesting Gehlot to not do so.

The Archbishop had expressed concern that the bill ‘would become a tool for the fringe elements to take law into their own hands, and vitiate the atmosphere with provocations, false accusations, communal unrest in the otherwise peaceful state of Karnataka‘, as reported.

Earlier this week, state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said the bill is not against any religion, but religious conversion by force or through inducement has no place under the legislation. He had clarified that there is nothing in the proposed legislation that curtails the constitutionally provided religious rights.

The 'Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill' was passed by the Legislative Assembly in December last year and 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 any fraudulent means.

As per this bill, which is now a law, those who wish to convert to another faith will be required to give a declaration in a prescribed format at least 30 days in advance to the District Magistrate or the Additional District Magistrate specially authorised by the District Magistrate in this regard of his residing district or place of birth within the state.

It proposes imprisonment from three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000, while for violation of provisions with respect to minors, women, SC/ST, the offenders will face imprisonment from three to ten years and a fine of not less than Rs 50,000.

The bill also makes provisions for the accused to pay up to Rs 5 lakh as compensation to those who were made to convert, and with regards to cases of mass conversion, there shall be a three to ten year jail term and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

It also states that any marriage which has happened for the sole purpose of unlawful conversion or vice-versa by the man of one religion with the woman of another, either by converting himself before or after marriage or by converting the woman before or after marriage, shall be declared as null and void by the family court.

The offence under this bill is non-bailable and cognisable.

With inputs from PTI.

Governor Thawarchand Gehlot

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