No task force needed now to check illegal conversion, love jihad: Jnanendra

CHITRADURGA: Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Wednesday said that several seers had complained to him about illegal religious conversions happening in Chitradurga, but ruled out setting up any special task force to act against such cases, at the moment.

Noting that several Hindu groups too had complained about ‘love jihad’, the Home Minister said the recently passed Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, has provisions to deal with both issues. He also added that the police should take suitable action to prevent such incidents.

Noting that people can convert to any religion voluntarily, he said that under the new legislation, the district deputy commissioner should be informed a month ahead and the DC will examine whether there is any inducement or force to convert. If there is no such issue, then permission will be granted.

Stressing that religious conversion cannot take place without the approval of the authorities, Jnanendra warned of strict action against those indulging in such practices.