As we end 2020, it is a good time to look back at an explicitly unconstitutional law, which is brandished with utmost impunity. #TooMuchDemocracy?
Here are some fun facts about the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020. A compilation.
1/n

Usually, police takes years to update themselves about laws. For instance, sex workers complain that police still use the Immoral Traffic (Suppression) Act of 1956 to harass them, even though the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act was passed in its place in 1986.
2/n

The UP Ordinance or #LoveJihadLaw was promulgated on Nov 28. And first case was registered within hours of its passing.
Efficiency max?
It has been a month and there are 35 arrests in a dozen FIRs

Ever tried lodging an FIR? You will come up against mountains of resistance from the police. They do not want unsolved cases in their books. They try to coerce, nudge, lure you away from filing an FIR.
4/n

But, on Nov 29, Bareilly police promptly filed the 1st case of religious conversion, under the new Ordinance.
Some complaints are more important than others. Priorities?