The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has passed an ordinance that makes religious conversions a non-bailable offense. The ordinance targets conversions made through force, fraud, coercion, or for marriage, and carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison. A fine of ₹15,000 can also be imposed for violations, with harsher penalties for conversions involving women from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, or minors.
Mass conversions will be met with severe consequences, including a jail term of 3 to 10 years and a fine of ₹50,000. The ordinance also stipulates that conversions for marriage must be declared to the district magistrate two months in advance, with penalties for non-compliance. The government asserts that the ordinance aims to protect women and prevent forced conversions, but it has sparked controversy, especially concerning its implications for interfaith marriages, often labeled as "love jihad." Critics argue that the law could be used to target religious minorities.