Overview

• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced plans to introduce the death penalty for forced religious conversions under the state's Freedom of Religion Act.
• The announcement was made during an International Women's Day event, where Yadav emphasized the government's commitment to protecting women from coercion and exploitation.
• The current Freedom of Religion Act, passed in 2021, penalizes illegal conversions through fraud, force, or misrepresentation with up to 10 years in prison and fines.
• Opposition Congress leader Arif Masood criticized the proposal, accusing the government of targeting specific communities and neglecting pressing issues like cases of missing girls.
• Yadav also highlighted women's welfare initiatives during the event, including financial assistance under the Ladli Behna Yojana and subsidies for LPG cylinder refills.