Reason for Amendment
The amendment was proposed to make the anti-conversion law more stringent due to concerns about foreign and anti-national elements allegedly influencing unlawful conversions
Increased Penalties
Minimum prison term increased from 1 year to 5 years, and maximum from 5 years to 10 years.
Fines increased from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000
For conversions involving minors, women, or Scheduled Castes/Tribes, prison terms increased to 5-14 years and fines to ₹1 lakh
New Offenses and Penalties
7 to 14 years imprisonment for securing foreign funds for unlawful conversion.
20 years to life imprisonment for severe offenses such as causing fear, assault, or trafficking related to conversion
Bail Conditions
Introduces strict bail conditions similar to those under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Accused must prove their innocence to get bail; bail can only be granted if there are reasonable grounds for believing in the accused’s innocence.
Third-Party Complaints
The amended law allows any person, not just the aggrieved or their close relatives, to file a complaint, which could lead to misuse by third parties.
Differences from Other State Laws
Madhya Pradesh: Requires a 60-day prior declaration to the District Magistrate.
Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand: Require a 30-day prior notice.
Uttar Pradesh: Requires a 60-day notice and mandates a Magistrate to conduct a police inquiry to verify the intention behind the conversion
Other states typically restrict FIR filings to aggrieved individuals or immediate family, whereas Uttar Pradesh allows broader third-party filings.
The "twin conditions of bail" and life imprisonment penalties are more severe compared to laws in other BJP-ruled states
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