Maharashtra govt forms panel to draft law against ‘love jihad’
Members include secretaries of departments of women and child welfare, law and judiciary, minority welfare, social justice, and home and law department officials
On a day when the world celebrated Valentine's Day to celebrate love, the Maharashtra government established a seven-member committee led by Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla to draft a law aimed at preventing “love jihad” and fraudulent or forced religious conversions.
What is ‘love jihad’?
The term “love jihad” refers to an alleged campaign where Muslim men purportedly lure Hindu women into marriage to convert them to Islam.
The government’s decision follows concerns raised by current and former elected representatives about interfaith marriages and forced conversions.
Also Read: 'Love Jihad' by certain communities poses a major threat to national unity: UP court
Laws to be examined
According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued late on Friday (February 14), the committee will study the prevailing situation in the state and suggest steps to tackle the complaints of “love jihad” and forced conversions.
The committee will also look at legal aspects and the laws framed in other states. Accordingly, it will recommend legislation to prevent forced conversions and instances of “love jihad”.
Members include secretaries from the departments of women and child welfare, law and judiciary, minority welfare, social justice, and officials from the home and law departments.
Minister cites Shraddha Walkar and other cases
Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha said, “Love jihad is a serious issue, and the state government is working towards preventing such incidents. The committee established to address cases of love jihad will work for the protection of women and preservation of cultural values.”
Lodha said he had set up the Interfaith Marriage Coordination Committee, which played a significant role in highlighting such incidents, when he was in charge of the Women and Child Development Department in the Eknath Shinde dispensation.
Talking about some incidents in Mumbai and surrounding areas, Lodha said, “Shraddha Walkar was brutally murdered by Aftab Amin. Rupali Chandanshive was killed by Iqbal Sheikh. Poonam Kshirsagar was murdered by Nizam Khan. Yashashree Shinde from Uran was killed by Dawood Sheikh. Sonam Shukla from Malad lost her life at the hands of Shahjib Ansari.”
How can one refute the “love jihad” issue when such incidents have taken place, he asked.
Severe backlash
This move has led to severe criticism from Opposition leaders.
NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule said love and marriage are personal choices and it would be better if the government focuses on economic issues.
The growth rate and consumption have reduced, the Baramati MP claimed. “If the economy is impacted, then the entire country will suffer,” Sule added.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushama Andhare questioned the timing, noting the issuance of the government resolution on Valentine's Day. She pointed out a contradiction, pointing out the government's previous introduction of safe homes for interreligious couples to prevent honour killings.
Also Read: Assam: ‘Love jihad’ may soon invite life term; Hindu-Muslim land sale needs CM’s nod
‘Against radicalisation’
NCP’s Mahesh Tapase stressed that not all interfaith marriages constitute “love jihad” and expressed concerns about potential misuse of such legislation.
“We are against radicalisation in the name of religion. When the draft comes before us, we will study it and take our stand,” Tapase said.
The ruling Mahayuti alliance previously addressed the "love jihad" issue during the last Lok Sabha election campaign.
Fadnavis's claim
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that forced conversions occurred in 14 out of 48 parliamentary constituencies in Maharashtra. Despite forming a similar committee under the previous government, little progress was made on the issue.
The newly formed committee is expected to study existing laws in other states and recommend appropriate legislation for Maharashtra. No specific deadline has been set for the submission of its report.
(With agency inputs)