BENGALURU: The Congress government in Karnataka has decided to repeal the anti-conversion law implemented by the previous BJP government in the state. The decision was taken by the Karnataka cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress had earlier announced as an election promise that it would review all the laws introduced by the previous BJP government in Karnataka and repeal them if necessary.

The Basavaraj Bommai government introduced the anti-conversion act in Karnataka through an ordinance in May last year. The act provided for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means. It proposed imprisonment from three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000, while for violation of provisions with respect to minors, women, SC/ST, the offenders will face imprisonment from three to 10 years and a fine of not less than Rs 50,000.