GOVERNOR  GIVES ASSENT TO PROHIBITION OF UNLAWFUL CONVERSION OF RELIGION ORDINANCE 2020

GOVERNOR  GIVES ASSENT TO PROHIBITION OF UNLAWFUL CONVERSION OF RELIGION ORDINANCE 2020

28TH NOVEMBER 2020

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has given her assent to the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020, promulgated by the government. 

In 2019, the State Law Commission of Uttar Pradesh had submitted a report to the CM, along with a draft ‘Uttar Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2019’, suggesting that “Conversion which took place solely for the purpose of marriage to be declared null and void”.

This step has been initiated after the Allahabad High Court in a landmark verdict said that two adults have the right to choose their life partners. The court held  that a person’s right to live with the person of their choice, irrespective of religion, is intrinsic to their right to life and personal liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. It was also held by the court that the right of two adults to stay together cannot be encroached upon by the state.

As per the new law, forced conversions will be a non-bailable offence.