On International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025), Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the government is planning to introduce the death penalty for those involved in the forced religious conversion of girls. He compared this provision to the existing law that allows the death penalty for the rape of minors.
At an event held at the Kushabhau Thakre Convention Center in Bhopal, Yadav said, “Our government is very strict against those who harm innocent daughters. We will ensure that those who force or lure girls into conversion face the death penalty. Such people should not have the right to live.”
The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act already allows for strict action against forced conversions. The CM said that the government would continue to monitor and prevent such cases.
A statement from the state government later confirmed, “Strict action will be taken against anyone forcing or luring people to marry or convert their religion. No culprit will be spared.”
State Congress president Jitu Patwari criticized the government’s approach, alleging a failure to protect women. He claimed that four lakh women have gone missing in the past five to six years.
“Every day, 100 women are raped in Madhya Pradesh, but only 20 report it. The other 80 don’t even come forward,” Patwari said.
He also demanded that the government raise the monthly payment under the ‘Ladli Behna’ scheme to ₹3,000, as promised during the 2023 Assembly elections. Currently, beneficiaries receive ₹1,250 per month.
