Now Reading: Goa Cabinet clears anti-conversion bill with up to 14 years jail
-
01
Goa Cabinet clears anti-conversion bill with up to 14 years jail
The Goa Cabinet has cleared the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, which will be tabled in the state assembly's monsoon session starting August 31. The bill proposes up to…
The Goa Cabinet has cleared the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, which will be tabled in the state assembly's monsoon session starting August 31. The bill proposes up to 10 years of imprisonment for offenders, including religious figures, and up to 14 years if the victim is a minor, woman, disabled person, or from a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Those wishing to convert must file a declaration with the district magistrate.
Goa, where Christians and Muslims form over 35% of the population, will become the 13th state with such a law if passed. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant cited Uttar Pradesh's law and "love jihad cases" as justification. The bill faced opposition from some lawmakers, including BJP members, last year. Maharashtra became the 12th state to notify a similar law this month, requiring 60 days' notice for conversion and placing the burden of proof on the accused.
Indian Opinion Analysis
This bill mirrors anti-conversion laws in states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, which the Supreme Court has not yet conclusively ruled on despite multiple challenges. Goa's unique history under Portuguese rule ensured protections for religious freedom in its civil code, which this law would now partially override. The practical impact will fall most heavily on interfaith couples, who face up to 14 years in prison if the conversion is deemed unlawful. Critics argue the 60-day notice requirement and reverse burden of proof effectively criminalise voluntary conversion. The assembly debate on August 31 will show whether the opposition's concerns, including from independent MLA Aleixo Lourenço, lead to amendments before a vote.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
