Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday that it is not wrong for a person of one religion to marry a person of another religion.
“But getting married by cheating, lying, offering false identities and then leaving the children after marriage, it is a serious issue,” said Devendra Fadnavis. He said that action should be taken against this.
“Love Jihad” is a term used by right-wing activists and outfits to claim a conspiracy of Muslim men to convert Hindu women into Islam through marriage.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister said that such cases of 'Love Jihad' emerged in Maharashtra. Fadnavis said that the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Kerala made observations about the reality of “Love Jihad”.
“The Supreme Court has also shown the reality of Love Jihad in his decision and endors it. And even in a state like Maharashtra, we constantly see that such things are increasing,” said Devendra Fadnavis.
Committee against 'Love Jihad'
Fadnavis's statement came after the government of Maharashtra set up a seven -member committee to explore legal options for a potential law against forced religious conversions and 'love jihad'.
The state governance has issued a government resolution (GR) stating that a committee will propose steps under the leadership of the State Director General (DGP) to tackle the complaints of “Love Jihad” and force conversions.
A panel led by the director -General of the Police (DGP) includes high officials of important departments such as women and child welfare, minority cases, rights and judiciary, social justice, special aid and the Interior to investigate the matter.
The Commission will assess comparable laws in other states and propose legal provisions to address complaints with regard to forced conversions and love jihad, reported Ani news agency.
Maharashtra Minister and Senior BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha was quoted by PTI as saying that the state government takes strict steps to curb “love jihad” in the state.
