Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India]: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a provision for the death penalty for those involved in the forced religious conversion of women in the state. The announcement was made on International Women’s Day during a program at the Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention Center in Bhopal.
CM Yadav emphasized that his government would not tolerate misconduct or forced conversions and assured strict action against the perpetrators. “Our government will not tolerate conversion and misconduct. For criminals or those who are involved in religious conversion, we will ensure that they get the death penalty,” he stated.
Opposition’s Reaction
However, Congress leader Arif Masood questioned the Chief Minister’s announcement, demanding clarity on what constitutes forced conversion. Masood also criticized the government’s failure to address cases of missing girls in Bhopal.
“First, the Chief Minister should clarify what forced conversion means. Also, there are missing girls in Bhopal. Recently, a girl from Itkhedi went missing, and her family has been in trouble for the last three days. He (CM Yadav) speaks about strict action, but still, he is not able to find her and the accused. If he starts action in such matters, then we will welcome the decision; else, they often make announcements,” Masood told media.
Existing Laws on Religious Conversion
Notably, the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, already prohibits unlawful conversions by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, or other fraudulent means. The Act also provides for penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violators.
Government’s Commitment to Women Empowerment
CM Yadav also highlighted his government’s initiatives for women’s empowerment. He announced the transfer of Rs 1,552.73 crore to over 1.27 crore women beneficiaries under the Ladli Behna Yojana and Rs 55.95 crore to over 26 lakh eligible women under the Gas Cylinder Refill Scheme.
“On the occasion of International Women’s Day, I would like to say that our government is very strict in cases related to misconduct with women; therefore, a provision of capital punishment was made in the state. Our government will not spare criminals who misbehave with women, such people have no right to live,” CM Yadav declared.
He further stated, “Additionally, those who will be involved in religious conversion, our government is going to make provision of the death penalty for them too under The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. Our government will neither tolerate misconduct nor conversion.”
New Initiatives Announced
Following the program, CM Yadav informed reporters about a joint event by the Women and Child Development, Police, and Rural Panchayat departments. He mentioned that new schemes were presented alongside the progress reports of existing schemes.
He also emphasized the state government’s efforts to empower women through reservation in government jobs and assured that further measures would be taken to support women’s rights and security.