Pune: Maharashtra Government Plans Strict Law Against ‘Love Jihad’; Committee Led By DGP Formed To Study And Curb Solutions

Pune, 15th February 2025: The Maharashtra government, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is moving forward with plans to introduce stringent legislation against ‘Love Jihad’. A seven-member committee, led by the Maharashtra State Director General of Police (DGP), has been formed to examine legal and technical aspects related to fraudulent and forced religious conversions in the state.

According to an official order issued by the Home Department, concerns have been raised by various organizations and citizens about increasing cases of ‘Love Jihad’ and deceptive religious conversions. In response, the government has taken steps to study the situation in Maharashtra in comparison with other states that have enacted similar laws.

The committee has been tasked with analyzing complaints received, studying the legal framework in other states, and drafting a law accordingly. It has been given a one-month deadline to submit its recommendations to the state government.

The formation of this committee follows an earlier assurance by Devendra Fadnavis, during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, to introduce a law addressing religious conversions. The panel includes senior officials from key departments such as Women and Child Welfare, Minority Development, Law and Justice, Social Justice and Special Assistance, and Home Affairs.

The proposed law is expected to focus on preventing forced conversions and fraudulent marriages linked to religious change. It will also assess existing legal provisions in other states like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where similar laws are already in place. Meanwhile, Rajasthan has recently passed a bill on the matter.

The committee’s report will play a crucial role in shaping the proposed legislation, which aims to curb fraudulent conversions while ensuring legal and constitutional compliance.