Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on Tuesday, 17 May, gave his assent to the ordinance on the anti-conversion bill, despite protests by Opposition and minority groups.
On 12 May, the Karnataka government had decided to bring in the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, through an ordinance.
“Cabinet has approved the anti-conversion bill, it will be tabled in the next session, till then ordinance will be in place,” Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra had said at the time, reported news agency ANI.
The bill proposes imprisonment of three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000 for alleged ‘forced’ conversion. The bill also states that converting a minor, woman or an SC/ST person will attract a jail term of three to 10 years, with a Rs 50,000 fine.
Mass conversions will attract three to 10 years of jail time, with a fine of up to Rs one lakh.
(Agencies)
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