Karnataka Legislative Council passed the anti-conversion law on May 17, 2022, amid objections from the opposition parties including Congress and JD(S).

“It does not take away anyone’s religious freedom and anyone can practice the religion of his or her choice, but not under pressure and allurements,” Home Minister of Karnataka, Jnanendra said at the time bill was introduced by the BJP government.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council B K Hariprasad even tore a copy of this law in protest as Chairman Raghunath Rao Malkapure was in the process of putting the bill to vote.

Hariprasad (Congress) termed the law as “unconstitutional” and said it will affect the right to religion.

Earlier, during the passage of the bill in the Legislative Assembly, Jnanendra had said that eight states have passed or were implementing such a law, and Karnataka would become the ninth one.Anti-conversion law had proposed imprisonment from three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000, while for violation of provisions with respect to minors, women, and SC/ST, the offenders will face imprisonment from three to ten years and a fine of not less than Rs 50,000.The offense was non-bailable and cognisable.

It had mandated that anyone who wishes to convert to another faith shall give a declaration in a prescribed format at least 30 days in advance to the District Magistrate or the Additional District Magistrate specially authorised by the District Magistrate in this regard of his residing district or place of birth within the state.

(With inputs from PTI)