NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday said that his state would make provisions to ensure capital punishment for those involved in religious conversions. Congress leader Arif Masood reacted to this and asked the CM to clarify what constituted forced conversion.
“Our government will not tolerate conversion and misconduct. For criminals or those who are involved in religious conversion, we will ensure that they get the death penalty,” the BJP leader said, speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Demanding a clarification on this, Masood said, “First, the chief minister should clarify what forced conversion is.”
He criticised the CM over the lack of safety of young girls in the state and said, “Also, there are missing girls in Bhopal. Recently, a girl from Itkhedi went missing, and her family has been in trouble for the last three days. He (CM Yadav) speaks about strict action, but still, he is not able to find her and the accused. If he starts action in such matter, then we will welcome the decision; else, they often make announcements.”
The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, criminalizes unlawful religious conversions through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, or fraudulent means. The law prescribes strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for those found guilty of violating its provisions.