After a walkout by Congress, the assembly of Haryana passes anti-conversion bill

Chandigarh: On Tuesday, Haryana's Assembly passed a bill prohibiting religious conversions by force, undue influence, or allurement amid a walkout by Congress.

On March 4, the Assembly introduced a bill that would place the burden of proof on the accused.

BJP-ruled states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have passed similar legislation in the past.

The Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2022, provides for imprisonment of one to five years for persons involved in conversion through allurement, force, coercion or fraudulent means, including digital methods.

A person who conceals his religion with the intention of marrying is liable to imprisonment of at least three years, extending up to 10 years, and a fine of at least three lakh rupees.

According to the bill, anyone who conducts mass conversion will be liable to serve no less than five years in prison, but not more than ten years, and must also pay a fine of not less than 4 lakh.

Using force, threat, undue influence, coercion, allurement or other means, anyone who attempts to convert or attempts to convert a minor, woman, or a person belonging to SC or ST shall be punished with imprisonment for at least four years, which may extend to ten years, and fined.

In an hour-long discussion, treasury and congress benches exchanged sharp words. The House witnessed noisy scenes.

Congress members walked out briefly, and the Bill was passed in their absence.