Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)

Belagavi, Dec 17: There is an air of confusion within the government circles in the matter of the timing of the introduction of the proposed anti-religious conversion bill in the assembly. As the party leaders hold different views on the issue, the air of uncertainty is yet to settle down.

Some of the BJP legislators are insistent that the bill should be moved in the current session itself. Some others feel that it would be better if the bill is tabled only after holding detailed discussions and examining all the issues.

The home department is preparing to move the bill. A clear picture might emerge at the cabinet meeting being held on December 20.

Reportedly, the legislators who have been with the BJP since long and those who have come from the Sangh Parivar background want the bill to be passed at the Belagavi session itself. The home ministry has prepared a draft copy and consulted the law department. But law minister J C Madhuswamy, is said to be hesitant to move the bill without exhaustive scrutiny.

It is said that even if the bill is moved, it might be introduced in the assembly alone for now. The BJP is worried about the bill facing reverses in the legislative council if the bill is moved in the current session, as the Congress and the JD(S) are opposed to the bill, and the BJP does not have a clear majority in the council now.

The bill reportedly makes forcible conversion a punishable offense under Article 26 of the Indian Constitution. Any person desirous of religious conversion has to apply for the same to the deputy commissioner, who is the competent authority, two months in advance. He will have the liberty to withdraw the application. The fact of the religious conversion process cannot be kept a secret to protect the right to privacy of the individual. No one can be forced to undertake the conversion process. Those who are found to be forcibly converting the people or instigating them to do so can be arrested.