CONVERSION CONTROVERSY

The controversial Bill passed by the Karnataka legislative assembly provides for prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by various means. It has been strongly opposed by leaders of minority communities

- Abhilash Singh

THE Karnataka cabinet recently introduced an ordinance to give effect to the controversial law against religious conversions. The state governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on May 17 gave his assent to the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Ordinance'(anti-conversion ordinance), following which the government notified it.

The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill was passed by the legislative assembly in December last year. However, it is pending for passage in the legislative council, where the ruling BJP is one short of majority.

"We had passed the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill (in the legislative assembly), due to certain reasons it was not passed in the legislative council. So, the cabinet today has decided to bring in an ordinance," said Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister JC Madhuswamy.

Speaking to media after the cabinet meeting, he said: "Whatever is passed by the assembly will be in the ordinance. It will be introduced and passed in the council during the next session. When the House is not in session government can go in for ordinance so we have taken that route."

During the passage of the Bill in the assembly, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra had said eight states have already passed or were implementing such a law, and Karnataka would become the ninth one to implement such a legislation. The BJP-ruled Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, among others, have enacted similar legislations.