Death Penalty for Forced Conversions: CM's Bold Move to Curb Love Jihad

Bhopal (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant move, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that individuals found guilty of forcibly converting people's religions in the state will be awarded the death penalty. This decision is aimed at curbing the rising cases of forced conversions in the state. The government plans to amend the Religious Freedom Act to incorporate this provision, making Madhya Pradesh the first state in India to impose the death penalty for forced religious conversions.This announcement comes amidst a surge in cases of forced conversions, love jihad, and related crimes in the state. Recently, the suicide of an engineering student in Bhopal led to demands from Hindu organizations for an investigation into love jihad. Incidents of violence and intimidation have also been reported. In one such instance, a Muslim youth was beaten up by lawyers in Rewa after they discovered his intention to marry a Hindu girl. Another case was reported in Bhopal, where a girl alleged that a young man had pressured her to change her religion after hiding his identity.

The government's decision to impose the death penalty for forced conversions aims to send a strong message to perpetrators and curb such incidents. However, the move has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some hailing it as a necessary step and others expressing concerns about its implications.