Fri Mar 07 22:19:00 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Assembly Lists “Love Jihad” Bill, but Delays Tabling

**Mumbai, March 8, 2025** – A private member’s bill aimed at curbing forced religious conversions, often referred to as “love jihad,” was listed in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Friday but not tabled. The bill, proposed by BJP MLAs Atul Bhatkhalkhar and Sudhir Mungantiwar, seeks to make forced conversions a cognisable offence, punishable by up to three years imprisonment and a ₹15,000 fine. Forcible conversions targeting vulnerable groups – including women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes – would carry a harsher penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a ₹1 lakh fine.

Mr. Bhatkhalkhar confirmed the bill’s listing and stated it would be presented for discussion later in the ongoing budget session. He indicated the government would respond once the bill is formally tabled.

This move follows the Maharashtra government’s earlier establishment of a high-level committee to investigate forced conversions and “love jihad.” This seven-member committee, headed by the Director General of Police, is tasked with providing recommendations for legislation on the matter. The committee includes representatives from various departments including women and child welfare, minority affairs, and law and judiciary.

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