Converts in Himachal to lose privileges

Shimla, August 13

The Vidhan Sabha today amended the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 20l9, amid opposition by the Congress and CPM against the clause which would deprive the convert of certain privileges.

The amendment makes the law more stringent by forbidding a convert from availing “benefit” of parents’ religion or caste and enhancing the maximum punishment for illegal conversions to 10 years imprisonment from seven years.

Passed by a voice vote, the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2022, also bans mass conversion — described as two or more persons converting at the same time — through force or allurement.

Tabling the Bill, CM Jai Ram Thakur, said, “The manner in which poor people are being enticed to convert to other religions, I feel the need to make the Act even more stringent.” He said there were reports of conversions from places like Ani and Banjar in Kullu.

Congress’ Sukhwinder Sukhu and CPM’s Jagat Singh Negi expressed serious reservations over the amendment.

Guilty to face 10-yr RI

• Passed by voice vote, Amendment Bill bans mass conversion through force or allurement
• Forbids a convert from availing of ‘benefit’ of parents’ religion or caste
• Enhances imprisonment for illegal conversions to 10 years from seven years

It’s a matter of grave concern and probe as to why some people are assembling on Sundays & Fridays. Jai Ram Thakur, CM