'Love Jihad' law in Maharashtra? Fadnavis-led government sets up 7-member committee to draft law

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, established a special seven-member committee headed by the Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla to draft a law against ‘love jihad,’ following the example of Uttar Pradesh and other states. The decision, announced on Friday, aims to address concerns about interfaith relationships and alleged forced religious conversions.

Women and child development

The committee’s primary role is to examine the legal and technical aspects related to cases of love jihad and prepare a detailed report, which will be submitted to the state government for further action. Apart from the DGP, 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.

What Does The GR Say?

 The committee will assess the current situation, address complaints related to "love jihad" and forced conversions, review legal frameworks in other states and determine the necessary legal provisions for Maharashtra. The resolution highlights that public representatives, social organisations and citizens have submitted complaints and appeals to prevent "love jihad" and fraudulent conversions.

Fraudulent or forced conversions

“Various organizations in the state and some citizens have submitted representations regarding enacting a law to prevent love jihad and fraudulent or forced conversions. Some states in India have already enacted laws to address this issue,” the government order stated. However, no specific timeline has been set for the committee to submit its report.

Law in Maharashtra

Chief Minister Fadnavis has been a vocal advocate for such a law in Maharashtra. Before last year’s elections, he claimed that over one lakh complaints had been received regarding forced religious conversions. He alleged that a deliberate love jihad conspiracy was at play, where Hindu women were being deceived into marriage by Muslim men using fake identities.

Similar Laws In UP, MP & Other States

The move has sparked debate, with supporters arguing that the law will protect women from coercion and deception, while critics view it as an attempt to police interfaith relationships and target specific communities. Similar laws enacted in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and other states have faced legal and social scrutiny, with concerns over misuse and infringement on individual freedoms.As the committee begins its work, its findings and recommendations will shape the state’s approach to tackling the issue. Whether Maharashtra follows the legal models of other states or adopts a different framework remains to be seen.