Study On For Law To Prevent Love Jihad In Maharashtra, Says Fadnavis

Maharashtra, too, is examining the possibility of implementing a law on the lines of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, also known as the ‘Love Jihad’ law. The UP law provides various penalties for a convict, either an individual or an organisation. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told the media that the legislations adopted by various states to prevent forcible conversions under the guise of marriage are being studied at the moment. He was asked if the Maharashtra legislation could come up during the ensuing winter session of the legislature in Nagpur later this month. Fadnavis clarified that as of now, no decision has been taken. Against the backdrop of reports that Love Jihad cases were on the increase in the state, the demand for such a law in Maharashtra has intensified after the gruesome murder of Vasai girl Shraddha Walkar. Her father Vikas who met Fadnavis told the media that he was assured by Fadnavis that no effort would be spared to punish the guilty of the girl’s death. Vikas expressed displeasure with the manner in which local police had handled the matter. He said his daughter would have been alive if the police had acted with alacrity. Vikas demanded investigation of suspect Aaftab Poonawala’s parents as well.