Daijiworld Media Network – Jaipur

Jaipur, Sep 9: The Rajasthan Assembly on Tuesday passed the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025, introducing some of the harshest penalties in the country against forced conversions. The legislation was cleared by voice vote amid opposition protests, with Congress members boycotting the debate.

The bill provides for imprisonment of seven to 14 years and fines up to Rs 5 lakh for fraudulent conversions. Conversions of minors, women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and persons with disabilities through deceit will invite 10 to 20 years in jail and a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh.

Mass conversions through fraudulent means could now lead to 20 years to life imprisonment and a fine of not less than Rs 25 lakh. Receiving foreign or illegal funds for conversion activities will attract 10 to 20 years in jail along with a fine of at least Rs 20 lakh.

The legislation also empowers authorities to confiscate properties used for forced conversions and annul marriages carried out for the purpose of religious conversion. It mandates prior intimation to the district magistrate for any voluntary conversion.

Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham defended the bill, stating that while Article 25 guarantees freedom of religion, it does not permit conversion by deceit, inducement, fear, or fraud. He called the law “crucial to maintain social harmony and protect vulnerable sections of society.”

He also noted that states such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh have already enacted similar laws. Rajasthan, which had introduced such a law in 2008, has now made the provisions stricter under the Bhajanlal Sharma government.

Citing past cases from Alwar and Banswara, Bedham said strict action has been taken against forced conversions in the state. After the bill’s passage, the House was adjourned till Wednesday.