Rajasthan Anti-Conversion Bill 2025

February 4, 2025

The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025 was introduced during the Budget Session of the state Assembly on February 3, 2025. The bill aims to address concerns over forced religious conversions in the state. Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar presented the bill, which proposes stringent penalties for unlawful conversions.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill categorises unlawful conversion as a cognisable and non-bailable offence.
Offenders may face imprisonment of up to ten years and a fine of ₹50,000.
The legislation specifically criminalises conversions achieved through misrepresentation, coercion, or fraudulent means.
Additionally, it mandates a declaration to the District Magistrate at least sixty days prior to any intended conversion.

Penalties for Violations

Different penalties are outlined based on the nature of the violation.
For general unlawful conversion, imprisonment ranges from one to five years and may include a fine of ₹15,000.
Specific provisions exist for conversions involving minors, women, or Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe individuals, with penalties extending from two to ten years and fines up to ₹25,000.
Mass conversions incur harsher penalties, with potential sentences of three to ten years and fines of ₹50,000.

Background and Rationale

The bill’s introduction follows concerns over increasing instances of forced conversions, often referred to as “love jihad.” The term has been used by the BJP and its affiliates to describe cases where Muslim men allegedly marry Hindu women to convert them. The government argues that the bill will protect vulnerable individuals from coercive practices.

Opposition

The Rajasthan Cabinet approved the bill on November 30, 2024, denoting its urgency in curbing forced conversions. However, the bill has faced opposition from the Congress party, which argues that it is part of a broader agenda to create societal divisions. Critics assert that the government should focus on pressing issues rather than legislating against religious conversions.

Compensation for Victims

The bill allows courts to grant compensation to victims of unlawful conversion, with amounts reaching up to ₹5 lakh. This provision aims to provide justice to those affected by coercive conversion practices. Repeat offenders face double penalties, reinforcing the bill’s deterrent intent.

Implications for Secularism

The bill asserts that while the Constitution guarantees religious freedom, this right does not extend to collective proselytisation. It aims to maintain the spirit of secularism in India while addressing the complexities surrounding religious conversions. The government contends that the law will help sustain social harmony in the state.

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