Amendment to UP's Anti-Conversion Law
On July 2024, the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly amended the 2021 Anti-Conversion Law
The changes make the law stricter, increasing penalties to life imprisonment, and making it harder to secure bail.
The law now includes provisions against conversions through promises of marriage or trafficking.
The amendments are seen as part of the ruling BJP’s efforts to criminalize interfaith relationships and conversions to minority religions.
Expanded Scope for FIRs
The amended law allows “any person” to file an FIR, even if they are not directly affected by the alleged conversion.
This broadens the scope of complaints, allowing third parties (e.g., police, activists, political groups) to lodge FIRs, even if no one at the event feels they were coerced or converted.
This provision could be used to target religious gatherings, including prayer meetings or interfaith relationships.
Concerns About Abuse of Power
In September 2024, the government defended the right of police and third parties to act as complainants in unlawful conversion cases.
The government argued that police officers were "aggrieved persons" in these cases, despite them not being directly impacted by conversions.
This legal expansion gives police and vigilante groups significant power to harass religious minorities and interfaith couples under the guise of law enforcement.
Legal and Court Interpretations
Courts have shown inconsistency in interpreting the law.
A February 2024 ruling stated that only a direct victim (or family) could lodge an FIR.
However, in a 2024 ruling, another court allowed police officers to lodge FIRs as “informants.”
In some cases, courts have ruled FIRs filed by third parties as illegal.
These conflicting interpretations add to the confusion and potential misuse of the law.
Impact on Personal Liberty and Religious Freedom
The amended law could lead to a chilling effect on social and religious gatherings
Interfaith couples and religious minorities are at risk of harassment and intimidation, as vigilante groups and police gain more power under the law.
The law can be used to target people based on political agendas, threatening personal freedoms and rights.
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