Seven-member committee to study legal aspects for new law against ‘ love Jihad in Maharashtra
Maharashtra Government Forms Panel to Examine Legal Aspects of Forced Conversions and ‘Love Jihad’
The Maharashtra government has established a seven-member committee, led by the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), to assess the legal framework for a potential new law addressing forced conversions and alleged cases of “love jihad”.
As per a Government Resolution (GR) issued on Friday, the panel includes senior officials from key departments such as:
Women and Child Welfare
Minority Affairs
Law and Judiciary
Social Justice and Special Assistance
Home Department (represented by deputy secretaries)
The committee’s mandate is to analyze the prevailing situation in Maharashtra and recommend measures to address complaints related to forced religious conversions and “love jihad.” It will also review similar laws in other states and suggest appropriate legislation for Maharashtra. The step is being mooted given the increasing number of such cases.
Government’s Stand on ‘Love Jihad’
Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling such incidents.
“Love jihad is a serious issue, and the government is taking strict measures to prevent such cases. This committee will work towards ensuring women’s safety and preserving cultural values,” Lodha stated.
He credited the Interfaith Marriage Coordination Committee, which he had set up during his tenure as Women and Child Development Minister, for bringing such cases to light.
Referring to several criminal cases involving interfaith relationships, Lodha highlighted incidents in Mumbai and surrounding areas, including:
Shraddha Walker, allegedly murdered by Aftab Amin
Rupali Chandanshive, reportedly killed by Iqbal Sheikh
Poonam Kshirsagar, allegedly murdered by Nizam Khan
Yashashree Shinde from Uran, reportedly killed by Dawood Sheikh
Sonam Shukla from Malad, allegedly killed by Shahjib Ansari
He questioned how the “love jihad” phenomenon could be dismissed when such cases have taken place.
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule criticized the government’s focus on personal relationships instead of addressing economic concerns.
“Love and marriage are personal choices. The government should concentrate on issues affecting the economy instead,” she remarked, adding that growth and consumption rates have declined, which could have serious consequences for the country.
