Maharashtra proposed religious conversion law faces opposition

Maulana Mushtaq Malik, president of Tehreek Muslim Shabban, has expressed opposition to a proposed law in Maharashtra regarding forced religious conversion. Malik raised concerns about the potential misuse of the legislation, arguing that religious conversion is a matter of personal thought, belief, and faith that should not face forced intervention.

Malik specifically criticized provisions related to the religious identity of children and inheritance rights following a conversion. He noted that if a child is made an heir to both parties' property, it could create conflicts with Sharia inheritance provisions. Additionally, he opposed linking interfaith marriages to the concept of ‘love jihad,’ stating that love and jihad are distinct concepts and that adult decisions regarding marriage and faith should be respected, citing a previous Allahabad High Court ruling on the matter.