“We were only waiting for some clarifications, of which the amendment Bill was a part. Now we will go ahead,” said a Home Department official.

Provisions of the law

• Bans conversion from one religion to another by force, allurement or fraudulent means

• Provides for punishment of up to 3 years, and a fine of up to Rs 50,000. In case the convert is a minor, a woman or a person belonging to SC/ST, the imprisonment is up to 4 years and the fine is of Rs 1 lakh

• Prior permission needed from the District Magistrate in a prescribed form for carrying out or even taking part in any religious conversion ceremony

• The convert too has to separately inform the District Magistrate. Failure to do so can attract both imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of Rs 1,000 or both

• Prior permission from DM/SDM needed for prosecution of offences under the Act

• Offence under the Act has to be investigated by an officer not below the rank of inspector