Responding to a Calling Attention Motion in the Legislative Council, CM Fadnavis mentioned that the state government had formed a panel, headed by the Director General of Police (DGP), to provide recommendations for dealing with such cases, and panel has now submitted its report
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Photo.
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis stated on Thursday that the state government intends to introduce robust provisions to address cases of religious conversions carried out using force or deception, with a decision expected soon on the issue, reported news agency PTI .
Responding to a Calling Attention Motion in the legislative council, CM Fadnavis mentioned that the state government had formed a panel, headed by the Director General of Police (DGP), to provide recommendations for dealing with such cases, and the panel has now submitted its report.
He further stated that the government would study the report, make necessary amendments, and implement provisions to prevent conversions by force or cheating, reported PTI.
"Action can be taken under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in such cases. However, a panel has been formed to suggest strict provisions. The state government intends to bring in strong provisions to deal with such cases, and we will take a decision on this soon," he affirmed.
On Monday, Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State in the Home Department, had indicated that the state would introduce an anti-conversion law during the winter session of the state legislature, which would be more stringent than similar legislation in other states.
Furthermore, Amit Gorkhe (BJP) alleged that the freedom of religion is being misused by "crypto Christians" and that individuals are availing reservations under the Scheduled Castes (SC) category while professing other religions.
He claimed that on the surface, they belong to the SC category and utilise reservation benefits such as government jobs and during elections, but secretly follow different religions, reported PTI.
Chief Minister Fadnavis added that on 26th November 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a verdict clarifying that Scheduled Castes category reservation can only be availed by Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs, and not by those belonging to other religions.
According to PTI, if anyone from religions other than Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs has obtained an SC certificate or reservation, their validity certificate and caste certificate will be cancelled through due procedure. If anyone has availed benefits like government jobs, action will be taken against them, he stated.
Moreover, if anyone has contested elections using such a caste certificate, it will be cancelled, and their election will then be declared null and void, the Chief Minister confirmed.
Furthermore, BJP leader Chitra Wagh, an independent MLC, highlighted cases where women are reportedly deceived into marriage by concealing the spouse's religion.
She further cited a case in Sangli where a woman was married into a family that secretly professed the Christian faith, reported PTI.
She also claimed that the woman had to face torture and was forced to change her religion, which led to the seven-month pregnant woman committing suicide.
Fadnavis reiterated that anyone can follow their religion and convert wilfully. However, if they are forced, cheated, or offered any kind of enticement, then the law does not permit it.
Pravin Darekar (BJP) claimed that a covert campaign is being undertaken in areas housing the poor and slums, where oppressed people are lured into following a different religion. He further expressed concern that "things are going out of hand."
Chief Minister Fadnavis acknowledged that such activities do occur in slums. He clarified, however, that the government has no intention of banning religious conversions that take place wilfully.
(With inputs from PTI)
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