Mass conversion from three to 10 years and a fine of Rs one lakh are included in the proposed anti-conversion bill that the Karnataka government intends to introduce in the ongoing Legislature session. The religious convert must give a month's prior notice in form-ii of such conversion to the district magistrate or any other officer not below the rank of additional district magistrate.
The marriages done for the sole purpose of conversion or vice-versa should be declared void, as per the draft copy of 'The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill-2021'.
The law will encompass those who "misrepresent, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage, or abet or conspiracy to convert." The act for reconverting to his previous religion won't attract the penalties.
If a person reconverts to his previous religion, the same will not be considered a conversion under the act.
Any person who is related to him by blood, marriage or adoption may lodge a First Information Report of such conversion, which is against the provisions of section 3.
The draft regulation states that whoever violates the provisions of section 3 should be punished with imprisonment for a term, which should not be less than three years but which may extend to five years and be liable to fine. The consequences will be severe if minor are converted.
If a woman or a person belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe is found guilty of violating section 3 in respect of a minor, she or he will be punished with imprisonment for a term, which will not be less than three years but which may extend to 10 years and be liable to
Whoever indulges in mass conversion will be punished with imprisonment from three to 10 years and will be liable for a fine. The proposed law states that the victim can get a compensation of up to five lakh.
If a marriage is done for the sole purpose of conversion, it will be void by the family court. If there are no family courts, the court can declare marriages void.
The provisions of the proposed Act will not be bailable. Whoever wants to convert his religion should give a declaration in 'Form-I' at least 60 days in advance to the district magistrate or the additional district magistrate who should be specially authorized by the district magistrate.
After receiving the information, the district magistrate should conduct an inquiry with regard to the real intention, purpose and cause of the religious conversion.
The proposed law states that any institution or organisation which violates the provisions of the proposed Act will be subject to punishment and their registration will be canceled by the competent authority.
