Karnataka govt to introduce anti-conversion bill in Cabinet for scrutiny tomorrow: Sources

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Dec 16, 2021: The Karnataka government is set to introduce the anti-conversion bill before the Cabinet on Friday for scrutiny, changes and inclusions, sources said on Thursday. The proposed law is likely to be made cognisable and non-bailable.

 

A minimum sentence of three years is being proposed, while conversion of minors or backward classes could attract upto 10 years with a hefty fine of nearly Rs 50,000.

Conversion by marriage could also be made part of the bill. Before a person’s conversion, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) must be given two months’ notice in advance.

The person converting from Scheduled Caste (SC) to a minority could lose government benefits, including reservations he or she has previously enjoyed. However, one is likely to receive the benefits entitled to in the religion he or she converts to.

"The anti-conversion law that we are bringing is not aimed at targeting any particular community. We are bringing it within the framework of law. It is there in Article 25 of the Constitution that there cannot be forced conversion, but, there was no penal clause if such conversion takes place," state home minister Araga Jnanendra had said.

Speaking to mediapersons in Belagavi, he stated, "We are bringing punishment, penalty provisions (for forced conversion). One who wants to convert should submit an application two months prior to the Deputy Commissioner. Also, the person performing conversion will also have to apply. Those who are converting will have to lose the religion of their origin and facilities or benefits attached with it."

The government is likely to table the anti-conversion bill during the winter session of the state legislature that began on Monday in Belagavi.

Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the bill is before the scrutiny committee of the law department. Once it’s cleared from there, it will be presented before the Cabinet and thereafter in the legislative assembly and legislative council.

Reacting to the developments, state Congress chief DK Shivakumar said that his party is completely opposed to the proposed legislation. He termed it anti-constitutional and said that it will be detrimental to the interests of the state.

Courtesy:India Today