Karnataka also passes anti-conversion bill: Congress on backfoot

- Anti-conversion bill in one more state in the country

- Three to 10 years imprisonment in the bill, Rs. Penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh: Government claims that the bill was drafted in the time of Congress

- According to the bill, a person who wants to convert has to give an affidavit to the District Collector 30 days in advance.

BANGALORE: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the 'Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Religion Bill, 2061' amid heavy opposition. After the passage of the bill, Karnataka government minister Ashwat Narayan said that the long awaited bill would create goodwill in the society. This bill will facilitate transparency and accountability.

Opposition Congress was seen on the backfoot against the Basavaraj Bommai-led government during the debate on the bill in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai claimed that the law was introduced by the Congress party when Siddaramaiah was sitting in the Chief Minister's chair. The ruling party also submitted some documents to the House in support of its claim. Congress then came on the backfoot.

The bill also proposes punitive provisions and emphasizes that those who wish to adopt another religion must submit an affidavit to the District Collector in the prescribed form at least 30 days in advance. In addition, Rs. A fine of Rs 5,000 as well as three to five years imprisonment is also proposed. Criminals are liable to imprisonment for three to 10 years and a minimum of Rs. A fine of Rs 50,000 can be imposed. In the case of mass conversions, the bill provides for imprisonment of 8 to 10 years and a fine of up to one lakh rupees. In addition, it is a non-bailable offense under the bill.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah initially denied the ruling party's claim. However, after seeing the records in the office of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, he admitted that as Chief Minister he had only asked for the draft bill to be presented before the Cabinet, but no decision had been taken. He said the bill should not be seen as the intention of his government.

Siddaramaiah said the Congress had vehemently opposed the bill, calling it "anti-people, inhuman, unconstitutional, anti-poor and harsh". He insisted that the bill should not be passed for any reason and that the government should withdraw it. Referring to the bill, Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs J. C. Madhuswami said the bill was introduced in 2012 by the Karnataka Law Commission with some changes on the advice of the then Congress government. The Janata Dal (S) also opposed the bill.