August 14, 2022
1 min read

Himachal assembly passes stringent ‘mass conversion’ Bill

Himachal Pradesh was among the first states to enact the anti-conversion law in 2006…reports Asian Lite news

The state legislative assembly on Saturday passed the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill of 2022 with a voice vote to enhance punishment and add a specific mention of “mass conversion” to the existing law.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said earlier the law was enacted with a view to providing freedom of religion by prohibiting religious conversions by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, inducement or by any fraudulent means or marriage. “Now, some amendments need to be made to make it stricter.”

Himachal Pradesh was among the first states to enact the anti-conversion law in 2006. However, later the government repealed the Act and enacted the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 20l9 citing rise in cases of forced conversion.

“There was no provision in the Act to curb mass conversions. Therefore, a provision to this effect is being made. The jail for mass conversions shall be between five and 10 years and a fine of Rs 1.50 lakh,” Thakur said while tabling the Bill in the Vidhan Sabha on Friday, the penultimate day of the session.

The 2006 law was brought by the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government. The BJP government introduced the 2019 version, which was passed unanimously.

ALSO READ: What does India stand for at 75?

Previous Story

Delhi dips in patriotic ardour

Next Story

Kashmir’s first multiplex theatre ready to films from Sept

Latest from India News

India Calls Out Pakistan’s Double Game

Indian High Commissioner to the UK warned that the current hostilities could cease entirely if Pakistan simply refrains from targeting Indian military installations…reports Asian Lite News Indian High Commissioner to the UK,

Trump urges restraint  

President Donald Trump expresses concern over the escalating situation between India and Pakistan and stated that he would offer any possible help to de-escalate tensions    President Donald Trump expressed his concern

Up to 1,000 transgender troops moved out

Department officials have said it’s difficult to determine exactly how many transgender service members there are The Pentagon will immediately begin moving as many as 1,000 openly identifying transgender service members out

UAE calls for calm

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged Inda and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” and avoid further escalation that could imperil regional and global peace The United Arab
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Trade surges as India-UAE celebrate 2 years of CEPA

The UAE envoy further emphasized the enduring significance of gold

A Bajpai, a Dubey and a Tiwari to decide UP Brahmin vote

Three individuals who have emerged as symbols of victimisation in