Maharashtra legislative assembly may discuss BJP MLA Mungantiwar's bill against religious conversion
It was initially introduced in the March session of the legislature.
The bill seeks to prevent religious conversion by "force, inducement or fraudulent means". The private member bill proposes a punishment of imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of Rs 5,000 for those found guilty. If the victim of forcible conversion belongs to the SC or ST community, then the period of imprisonment should be raised to two years and the fine should be increased to Rs 10,000, the bill suggests.
In his objectives for introducing the bill, Mungantiwar said, "Forced religious conversion involves coercion, deception or taking undue advantage of a person's poverty or by immoral means. This is highly undesirable."
You Can Also Check:
Mumbai AQI
|
Weather in Mumbai
|
Bank Holidays in Mumbai
|
Public Holidays in Mumbai
"Owing to the increasing incidents of religious conversions or forced conversions, unrest is created in society, and the right to practice and propagate one's religion freely guaranteed by the Constitution is also violated.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Sensação de queimação nos pés? Insira essa receita ao acordar
G!Saúde.gov
Undo
Therefore, it is appropriate to take measures to prevent such activities," Mungantiwar stated.
This was just one of the over 30 private member bills which Mungantiwar was allowed to reintroduce in this assembly session on Friday, setting a record of sorts. His other bills span a range of issues from prisons, labourers, school staff, street children, and housing.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
37 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Fadnavis did what Bal Thackeray couldn't': In show of unity, Raj, Uddhav slam BJP, invoke Marathi pride
SHARING A political stage for the first time in two decades, estranged cousins, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray, on Saturday hinted at their alliance as they launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Mahayuti government over its now-scrapped move to introduce Hindi as a third language in primary schools in Maharashtra. The joint rally at Mumbai's National Sports Club of India in Worli, touted as their show of unity for Marathi pride and identity, saw the Thackeray cousins targeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Raj said, 'Fadnavis did what even Balasaheb Thackeray (Shiv Sena founder) could not — he reunited us.' On his part, Uddhav indicated the possibility of an alliance between the Sena (UBT) and the MNS in the coming days, saying, 'We have come together now after many years to remain together.' The 'victory rally', which drew thousands and packed the venue to capacity, followed the revocation of two Government Resolutions (GRs) — one mandating Hindi for Classes 1 to 5, and another making it optional — which the Sena (UBT) and MNS had called an 'imposition' of the language. Held as a 'non-political and all-party' gathering, the backdrop of the stage did not have any party flags or banners, featuring only a map of Maharashtra, which highlighted the event's unifying theme: Marathi identity, language, and pride. Though several Opposition leaders, including the NCP(SP)' Supriya Sule and Jitendra Awhad, attended the event, the stage was shared by only Uddhav and Raj, who were the only speakers. Addressing the gathering, Raj charged that the BJP was using the three-language formula as a 'political tool' rather than for educational reform. The BJP, he alleged, was testing the waters to see if Mumbai could be separated from Maharashtra. 'They unnecessarily tried to impose (Hindi) upon us. But they witnessed the power of Maharashtra and Marathi people — and that is what forced them to withdraw the GRs,' Raj said. 'The BJP may have power in the legislature and Parliament, but the Thackerays have power on the streets, which they have witnessed now.' 'They were testing the waters with this formula — to see if Mumbai could be separated from Maharashtra. If they had succeeded in this attempt at Hindi imposition, their next target was separating Mumbai from Maharashtra. Now it has been foiled,' Raj said. 'What was the need for Hindi? The three-language formula was only for Centre-state coordination. Even the National Education Policy (NEP) does not mandate it. They experimented in Maharashtra because the southern states do not listen to them,' he said. 'Look at the irony — the Hindi-speaking states are economically backward, and the non-Hindi-speaking states are forward. And these people want us to learn Hindi. Why? I am not against Hindi. But why impose it by attacking the regional language?' Raj said. 'This is not about language. It is about power and control. If the BJP can succeed in weakening Marathi here, they believe they can isolate Mumbai from the state,' he claimed. 'Be it Gujaratis or anyone else here… there is no need to beat people if they don't speak Marathi. But if someone shows useless drama, you must hit below their eardrums. I'll tell you one more thing: If you beat someone, don't make a video of the incident. Let the person beaten up say he has been beaten up, you don't need to tell everyone that you have beaten someone,' Raj said, defending the recent incident in which three MNS workers thrashed a shopkeeper in Thane for not speaking Marathi. Raj concluded his speech with a warning. 'This is not the end of the struggle. Be cautious. Now they (the BJP) will try to divide us using caste and religion. Do not fall prey to it. This unity for Marathi should remain intact, and Balasaheb's dream should be accomplished,' he said. Echoing Raj's sentiments and praising him for taking a clear stand, Uddhav said the unity between the two was grounded in ideology. 'We (Raj and Uddhav) have come together to stay together,' he said, adding, 'This is not just about politics — this is about Marathi.' Uddhav also hit out at Shiv Sena chief and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde for raising the slogan 'Jai Gujarat' during a recent event in Pune attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that he has bowed down to the BJP and the Centre. 'Raj spoke powerfully on the Marathi language and the imposition of Hindi… Personally, I believe our appearance together is more important than our speeches. We've come together — and we're here to stay together.' he said. Uddhav's tone turned sharper as he targeted the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Shinde, accusing them of allegedly using divisive tactics and betraying Maharashtra's interests. 'Mumbai was earned through the blood of Marathi people. And now, some (in the BJP) claim, 'Aren't we Marathi too?' You're only Marathi by name — we may have to check your blood to confirm,' Uddhav said, while claiming the BJP was never present in the fight for Maharashtra's true struggles. 'In the Samyukta Maharashtra movement (in the late 1950s), the Jana Sangh (the precursor to the BJP) arrived at the end and left soon after. And now they want to teach us nationalism and Maharashtra pride? Their only policy is 'sell everything'. They are shredding Mumbai to pieces and handing it over to corporate giants like Adani. Are we just supposed to sit back and watch?' Uddhav said. He also addressed speculations about his alliance with Raj, saying some quarters have tried to drive a wedge between them. 'Every time something happens, the BJP spreads rumours, asking 'Will they stay united till the elections?'' 'Some say we've come together just for the upcoming municipal corporation elections. But our 'M' is not just for the municipality — it's for Maharashtra. We've both experienced the BJP's 'use and throw' politics. Now, we're going to throw them out — together,' he said. Uddhav urged the Marathi people to rise above caste and politics. 'Let's come together as we did during the Samyukta Maharashtra movement. Forget the Brahmin–non-Brahmin, Maratha–non-Maratha divides. It's time we stand united — for our language, our identity, and our Maharashtra,' he said. The Samyukta Maharashtra movement for a Marathi state had focused on the inclusion of Mumbai (then Bombay) as part of Maharashtra. In the wake of a prolonged agitation during which 106 people were killed in police firing, Maharashtra was formed with Mumbai as its capital on May 1, 1960. The movement was led by several veteran socialist and communist leaders, among others.
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bombay HC Dismisses Election Petitions Against Fadnavis, Mungantiwar & Other BJP Leaders
Nagpur: In a setback to Congress, the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed multiple election petitions filed by its defeated candidates challenging the victories of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis , senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, and three other MLAs. The court ruled the pleas were not maintainable due to procedural lapses, including the petitioners' failure to be physically present during filing — a mandatory legal requirement. Justice Pravin Patil quashed five petitions filed by Congress candidates Prafulla Gudadhe, Girish Pandav, Satish Warjurkar, Subhash Dhote, and Santosh Singh Rawat. The pleas targeted the results from Nagpur South-West, Nagpur South, Chimur, Rajura, and Ballarpur constituencies in Vidarbha, respectively, alleging violations under Representation of the People Act and procedural irregularities in the 2024 assembly polls. "The petitions lacked essential particulars and did not comply with statutory requirements," Justice Patil observed, dismissing them summarily. In Gudadhe's plea, which specifically sought to annul CM Fadnavis's victory from South-West Nagpur, the court held that no evidence of corrupt practices or irregularities was demonstrated. Fadnavis won the seat by a margin of 39,710 votes. Petitioners' counsel Pavan Dahat and Akash Moon told TOI they would challenge the rulings in Supreme Court. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo "We are reviewing the judgment and will file appeals soon," he said. The legal move was part of a wider offensive by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), in which 27 losing candidates across Vidarbha filed similar petitions. Friday's verdict marks a legal and political setback for Congress, which accused the ruling party of misusing official machinery to swing elections. With this dismissal, Fadnavis, Mungantiwar, Chimur MLA Bunty Bhangadiya, South Nagpur MLA Mohan Mate, and Rajura MLA Deorao Bhongale all received legal reprieve as the court reaffirmed their victories. The petitioners had urged the court to declare victories of BJP legislators "null and void," citing non-compliance with mandatory electoral protocols by Election Commission of India. They argued ECI failed to issue a formal notification for using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and withheld key election records like Form 17 and CCTV footage of strongrooms. They also alleged absence of VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) verification, raising serious questions about transparency and fairness of the electoral process. Victories secured by BJP candidates in 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls: (Vidarbha region): 1. Nagpur South-West Winner: Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) Defeated: Prafulla Gudadhe (Congress) Votes secured by Fadnavis: 1,20,214 Victory margin: 39,710 2. Nagpur South Winner: Mohan Mate (BJP) Defeated: Girish Pandav (Congress) Votes secured by Mate: 95,082 Victory margin: 22,563 3. Chimur (Chandrapur) Winner: Bunty Bhangadiya (Independent supported by BJP) Defeated: Satish Warjurkar (Congress) Votes secured by Bhangadiya: 78,145 Victory margin: 16,087 4. Ballarpur (Chandrapur) Winner: Sudhir Mungantiwar (BJP) Defeated: Santosh Singh Rawat (Congress) Votes secured by Mungantiwar: 1,05,211 Victory margin: 25,334 5. Rajura (Chandrapur) Winner: Deorao Bhongale (BJP) Defeated: Subhash Dhote (Congress) Votes secured by Bhongale: 88,576 Victory margin: 13,912
The Hindu
40 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Top news of the day: India negotiates from position of strength, not under deadlines, says Goyal on U.S. trade deal; Udhhav, Raj Thackery hint on contesting civic elections together, and more
We negotiate from position of strength, not under deadlines: Piyush Goyal on U.S. trade deal after Congress jab With the Congress mocking the BJP-led NDA government over the proposed trade deal with the U.S., Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday (July 5, 2025) said India negotiates from a position of strength and not under deadlines. He also accused the Congress of 'negotiating and signing agreements that were not in the national interest' during that party-led UPA government's tenure. Uddhav-Raj Thackeray joint rally: We have come together to stay together, says Uddhav Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray held a joint rally and meeting, sharing stage for the first time in two decades, in what they said was to celebrate the pushback of the three-language policy decision. Addressing the rally in Worli, the Shiv Sena UBT hinted at contesting the upcoming civic elections together. Tariff letters to 12 countries signed, going out on July 7: U.S. President Donald Trump U.S. President Donald Trump said he had signed letters to 12 countries outlining the various tariff levels they would face on goods they export to the United States, with the 'take it or leave it' offers to be sent out on Monday (July 7, 2025). Mr. Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travelled to New Jersey, declined to name the countries involved, saying that would be made public on Monday (July 7, 2025). Sanjay Bhandari, U.K.-based arms consultant, declared fugitive economic offender A Delhi court on Saturday (July 5, 2025) declared U.K.-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari a fugitive economic offender on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) plea, officials said. The court issued the order under the provisions of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) of 2018, they said. Nirav Modi's brother Nehal Modi held in U.S. on extradition request from India Nehal Modi, co-accused and stepbrother of the 'mastermind' of the ₹13,578 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, has been arrested in the U.S. based on an extradition request from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). NGO moves Supreme Court challenging ECI's Special Intensive Revision of rolls in Bihar The Election Commission of India's move to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar came under challenge in the Supreme Court on Saturday (July 5, 2025) for violating the rights to adult suffrage, non-discrimination, dignity and equality of the ordinary and marginalised people of the State. Himachal Pradesh monsoon havoc: Over 260 roads closed, 3 districts under red alert for July 6 More than 260 roads, including 176 in Mandi district, are blocked in Himachal Pradesh following heavy rains over the past few days, officials said on Saturday (July 5, 2025). The local MeT office has issued a 'red' alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in Kangra, Sirmaur and Mandi districts on Sunday (July 6, 2025). With PM Modi in Argentina, Congress recalls India's deep connect with country, Indira's 1968 visit With Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Argentina, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday (July 5, 2025) recalled India's deep connection with Argentina and then PM Indira Gandhi's visit to Buenos Aires in 1968. Mr. Ramesh also recalled that Raul Prebisch, an Argentine economist who was very influential in the 1950s and 1960s, helped establish the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). T.N. CM Stalin to launch 'Ungaludan Stalin' on July 15 for doorstep delivery of government services Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to launch the first camp of the 'Ungaludan Stalin' (Stalin with you) initiative, aimed at directly addressing public grievances and delivering government services through special camps at people's doorsteps, on July 15 at Chidambaram Municipality in Cuddalore district. Axiom-4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla studies bone health, radiation exposure on ISS After a day off, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and others from the Axiom-4 mission on Saturday (July 5, 2025) studied how bones react to microgravity conditions, an experiment that could lead to better treatment of osteoporosis on Earth. On the 10th flight day, Shukla also participated in an experiment to monitor radiation exposure on the International Space Station (ISS), which could help better protect astronauts on longer-duration space missions away from Earth. Pakistan has no objection to extraditing 'individuals of concern' to India: Bilawal Bhutto Pakistan's former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that his country had no objection to extraditing 'individuals of concern' to India as a confidence-building measure, as long as New Delhi showed willingness to cooperate in the process. Liverpool, Portugal players mourn Diogo Jota and his brother at emotional funeral Players from Liverpool and Portugal's national team joined family and friends for the funeral of their teammate Diogo Jota and his brother on Saturday (July 5, 2025), two days after the siblings died in a car crash in Spain. Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk arrived carrying a red floral arrangement in the shape of a soccer shirt with Jota's No. 20 in white. Liverpool teammate Andrew Robertson carried a similar arrangement with the No. 30, the number worn by Jota's brother, André Silva, who played for Portuguese club Penafiel. Coach Arne Slot was part of the Liverpool contingent.
