Maharashtra Ministers Discuss Need For Law On Love Jihad During Winter Session
Nagpur, 20th December 2022: For the past few days, the demand for a law regarding ‘Love Jihad’ has started gaining momentum in Maharashtra. The state government has also taken a stance in this regard on some occasions.
However, the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Devendra Fadnavis, made a statement while speaking in the Legislative Assembly today during the winter session of the Legislature. In this regard, Devendra Fadnavis has clarified the issues raised by BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar. Fadnavis also said that the state government has the mindset of enacting a law regarding love jihad.
Atul Bhatkhalkar, speaking on the issue of love jihad, mentioned the Shraddha Walker case. “Several incidents like the Shraddha Walker case have come to light in some districts of Maharashtra. So is the state government planning to make a law against love jihad?” Atul Bhatkhalkar questioned.
“Was there political pressure from the top leaders of the then government for the police to not act on the complaint even after Shraddha Walker filed a complaint in 2020?” Bhatkhalkar also raised such a question.
Meanwhile, while replying in this regard, Fadnavis clarified that there was no political pressure in this case. “The investigation so far has not revealed any political or outside pressure in this case. But why did she withdraw the complaint? We are investigating this. Also, a month passed between her complaining and getting it back. She filed a complaint on 23rd and withdrew the complaint on the 19th of the following month. What action did the police take in the meantime? If an investigation had been done then, this incident could have been avoided. An inquiry has been ordered. Why did they not take action for so long that we are getting information about this?”
“As a further solution to this, we have said that when a woman complains in such a situation, the police should take immediate action. At least you should call her and listen to her. In the background of this case, 40 large marches were held in Maharashtra. A strict law should be made regarding love jihad. The government has no opposition to interfaith marriages. However, in recent times such marriages are being conducted in some districts as part of a deliberate conspiracy. The girl is being harassed for a year and a half. Such incidents are seen coming out on a large scale”, said Fadnavis.
“Some states have enacted laws regarding love jihad. I deliberately tell the House that the topic of Love Jihad first came out in Kerala. This is not an action against any religion. But such incidents happen. Therefore, after studying the roles or laws that different states have made in this regard, if there is a need to make an effective law, then the state government has the mentality to do it. The stand of the state government is that no woman should be cheated as part of the conspiracy. If there is a need, the state government will try to do so,” said Fadnavis.
