A couple in Lucknow, belonging to different religions, were stopped by the police from marrying on Wednesday evening under the state’s recent ordinance on prevention of unlawful conversion of religion.
The wedding of Raina Gupta and Mohammed Asif was to take place as per both Muslim and Hindu rituals. This was with the blessings of both families. However, marriages performed in this manner require both parties to convert for the ceremony. The couple has been convinced by the police to give an application under the Special Marriage Act, so that neither party has to convert for the marriage to take place. Such a notice is to be given 30 days in advance and is displayed to invite objections if any during the period.
The families have deferred the wedding.
A relative of the bride said, “This is very upsetting. We were left shamefaced in front of our guests who did not even have dinner. When the families had no objection, what right did the police have to intervene?”
The groom’s family did not wish to speak to media.
This is not the first action that has been taken by the police since the ordinance came into force. On Wednesday, the police arrested a Muslim youth in Bareilly over allegations that he was trying to forcibly convert a Hindu woman to marry him while also threatening the family.
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In the Lucknow case, members of the district Hindu Mahasabha had given information to the police about the nuptials.
Chakrapani Maharaj, chairperson of the Mahasabha, said, “We have nothing against those who willingly convert. However, given the growing menace of love jihad, we will have to be extra-vigilant. We are not trying to create trouble for anyone.”
Under the new ordinance, the form of declaration to be given for conversion besides the basic details— name, address, date of birth—also asks for information such as occupation and monthly income, marital status and dependents of the person to be converted and name and place where the conversion is to take place. The person who will carry out the conversion has to list similar details and his qualification and experience.