Harsh Sanghavi on love jihad: Raising the 'love jihad' issue yet again, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi warned of stringent action against those who trap girls by faking their identities. Speaking at an event in Morbi on Thursday, the minister said that loving someone is not a crime but the state government will not be sparing all those who indulge in conspiracies in the name of love.
Sanghavi assured that if any family brings such a complaint to the police station, it will be taken seriously. The minister also claimed that efforts are being made to "push the daughters to hell" and that the police should take strict action against it.
'Loving someone is not a crime...'
"Loving someone is not a crime...but my warning is for those who defame love...If some Salim would trap our innocent girls by becoming Suresh then, listen with open ears, I am the brother of such innocent girls," Sanghavi said. He further added, "It's utterly wrong if some Suresh fakes himself as Slim and vice versa in the name of love."
Gujarat Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Act
It should be mentioned here that the Gujarat Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Act 2021 is applicable in the state. The Act came into force to penalise forcible or fraudulent religious conversion by marriage. The law made provisions for up to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 2 lacks if the accused is found guilty.
On the other hand, if the girl is a minor, then the punishment increases to 7 years and the fine increases to Rs 3 lakh. However, these provisions will not apply to inter-religious marriages which take place without force, inducement or fraudulent means.
