Maharashtra Forms Committee to Draft ‘Love Jihad’ Law, Rashmi Shukla to Lead Panel
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Mumbai: The Maharashtra government established a committee under state police chief Rashmi Shukla to draft a law aimed at preventing “love jihad” and fraudulent or forced religious conversions. The move coincided with Valentine’s Day, a global celebration of love.
According to a government resolution (GR) issued on Friday, the committee will study similar laws from other states and prepare a draft for Maharashtra. The panel will also propose measures to address concerns surrounding interfaith marriages and alleged cases of forced conversions.
Committee Members and Objectives
The committee, chaired by Rashmi Shukla, will include six other members:
- Secretaries from the departments of Women and Child Welfare, Law and Judiciary, Minority Welfare, and Social Justice
- Two senior officers from the Home and Law departments
The GR does not specify a deadline for the committee’s report.
Background and Government Stand
The concept of “love jihad” was last raised prominently during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign by the ruling Mahayuti alliance. At the time, then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that incidents of forced religious conversions had occurred in 14 of Maharashtra’s 48 parliamentary constituencies.
The government stated that the primary aim of the proposed law is “to control Hindu girls getting married to Muslim men under false pretenses.” The term “love jihad” is a controversial narrative promoted by Hindu nationalist groups, alleging that Muslim men coerce Hindu women into marriage and religious conversion.
A previous committee on “love jihad,” formed under the Women and Child Welfare Ministry, made little progress. However, the new panel will review legislation from other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, which already have laws addressing similar issues.
Opposition Criticizes the Move
The announcement has sparked strong reactions from opposition leaders:
- Sushama Andhare, Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader, criticized the timing of the announcement, stating, “Issuing the GR on Valentine’s Day seems intentional. The government previously promoted safe homes for inter-religious couples to prevent honor killings. Now, they are contradicting their own policies.”
- Mahesh Tapase, chief spokesperson for the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), remarked, “Love transcends laws and religious boundaries. Interfaith marriages will continue, regardless of any anti-love-jihad law.”
Mahayuti Alliance’s Response
- Anand Paranjpe, spokesperson for the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, stated, “We oppose religious radicalization. We will review the draft law once it is presented and adopt a position accordingly.”
The formation of the committee marks the latest step in Maharashtra’s political discourse on interfaith marriages and conversions, setting the stage for further debate on personal freedom and communal harmony.
