New Delhi:
Decades ago Bollywood actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini's on screen chemistry almost eclipsed the controversy. That was then. Recently Bhajan Lal's son Chandramohan disappeared for a month, converted to Islam, married for the second time as Chand Mohammad to Anurandha Bali, on camera. But the distaste it generated, may lead to a law against conversion to Islam for bigamy.
A law commission report tabled in parliament - seeks law to make bigamy through conversion to Islam illegal by changing Hindu, Christian, Parsi Marriage Acts. It also seeks to make bigamy offences punishable under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
It will take a while for these proposals to become law but right now there seems to be no hurdle. As almost all parties, men and women MPs are unanimous - misuse of the Muslim Marriage Act should end.
Rajya Sabha MP, Ejaz Ali says, the Holy Quran - shariyat both strictly prohibit conversion to Islam for dishonest purpose. It also prescribes the conditions under which one can practice bigamy.
"Such conversions end up hurting women. Conversion for vested interests need to be stopped," said Jayaprada, Samajwadi Party MP.
The proposal does not propose any changes to Muslim laws. Since there is no controversy, most MPs are readily offering suggestions.
Congress leader Salim Sherwani said, "What if a person converts three months before marrying for the second time? The law needs to be ready for this."
The UPA government is in no rush to implement this law. The issue involved religious sensitivities and that is why the government plans to consult religious heads.