Maharashtra forms panel to draft 'Love Jihad' law: Legal, social debate intensifies

Maharashtra: The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has set up a seven-member panel to draft a law against 'love jihad.' Headed by DGP Rashmi Shukla, the committee will analyze legal aspects and complaints related to alleged forced religious conversions. The move follows similar laws in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, sparking heated discussions on its implications.

Major political and legal development

In a major political and legal development, the Maharashtra government has constituted a special committee to draft a law against ‘love jihad.’ The seven-member panel, headed by Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla, will assess legal provisions, review similar laws in other states, and submit recommendations for the proposed legislation. The decision, announced on Friday, follows concerns raised by social organizations and political leaders regarding alleged forced religious conversions through interfaith marriages.

What the Government resolution says

According to the government resolution (GR), the committee will evaluate complaints related to "love jihad" and examine the necessity of a legal framework to address such cases. The panel includes officials from key departments such as women and child development, minority development, law and judiciary, social justice, special assistance, and home affairs. However, no specific deadline has been set for submitting its report.

"Several states have already enacted laws against love jihad and fraudulent conversions. Maharashtra has received numerous complaints from public representatives and citizens demanding legal action," the resolution states.

CM Fadnavis backs the Law, cites complaints

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been a strong proponent of such legislation. Ahead of the last state elections, he claimed that Maharashtra had received over one lakh complaints of forced religious conversions. He alleged that a well-planned conspiracy was being carried out, where Hindu women were deceived into marriage by men using fake identities.

The move has reignited political and social debates, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to protect women from coercion and deception. Critics, however, view it as an attempt to target specific communities and interfere in personal relationships.

Similar laws and controversies in other states

Maharashtra is not the first state to consider such a law. Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and several BJP-ruled states have already implemented laws criminalizing forced religious conversions in interfaith marriages. These laws have been challenged in courts and faced criticism over potential misuse and infringement on individual rights.

In recent months, multiple incidents have intensified discussions on ‘love jihad.’ Members of Hindu outfits in Jabalpur locked public parks on Valentine’s Day to protest interfaith relationships, while a youth was assaulted inside a Bhopal court over similar allegations.

As the Maharashtra committee begins its work, the debate over personal freedom versus legal protection is expected to gain momentum. Whether the state will follow the existing legal models or take a different approach remains to be seen.