After CM Yadav’s announcement gained nationwide attention, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) issued a statement clarifying the existing law.
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that his government will change the law to introduce the death penalty for those who forcibly convert girls to another religion.
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Speaking at an event in Bhopal on International Women’s Day, CM Yadav said,
“After the provision of death penalty for rape of girls, now a provision for death penalty will be made in Madhya Pradesh for those who convert girls.”
He explained that this amendment would be made in the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act.
After CM Yadav’s announcement gained nationwide attention, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) issued a statement clarifying the existing law.
The statement read, “Religious Freedom Act is in force…to take strict action against those who forcefully or by luring people to marry…convert their religion.”
The CM also emphasized that his government would take
“the strictest action against those who rape girls.”
He further added,
“The culprits will also be given the death penalty. No culprit will be spared under any circumstances.”
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The budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly is set to begin on March 10. Based on the CM’s statement, the government is planning to amend the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, to introduce the death penalty for forced religious conversions. If passed, Madhya Pradesh will become the first state in India to impose capital punishment for this offense.
Madhya Pradesh was the first state in India to enact a law against forced religious conversions. In December 2017, the state passed a bill allowing the death penalty for those convicted of raping girls aged 12 or below, making it the first state to do so. However, no executions have taken place under this law so far.
During the Women’s Day event, CM Yadav reiterated his government’s firm stance on protecting women.
He said, “Govt is tough in cases of rape of minors. There is provision for death penalty for it. Our government will not spare those who forcefully or fraudulently outrage their modesty. Similarly, those who carry out religious conversion will get capital punishment.”
He assured that
“a provision will be made under the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act for it. Govt is making arrangements for it. Govt is committed to act tough against rape with minors, conversion.”
Madhya Pradesh already enforces a strict Religious Freedom Act, which provides severe punishments for forced religious conversions. CM Yadav’s government is working to strengthen and ensure strict enforcement of this law.
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A social media post from the state government quoted CM Yadav, saying, “Forced, fraudulent, or deceitful marriages and religious conversions will not be tolerated in MP. The state has implemented the Religious Freedom Act, which prescribes strict punishments for offenders, and is working continuously to strengthen and enforce this law.”
CM Yadav underlined that protecting women and ensuring their safety is his government’s top priority.
He stated, “Ensuring the safety of daughters is the govt’s foremost responsibility.”
He highlighted that the state government is implementing various schemes aimed at empowering women and making them self-reliant. These initiatives aim to prevent injustice against women and protect their rights.
The government, in its official statement, added,
“Government is taking all necessary steps to uphold the dignity, self-respect, and rights of daughters in the state.”
