Rajasthan Govt to Table Tougher Anti-Conversion Bill With Life Term, ₹50 Lakh Fine
The Bhajan Lal Sharma-led Rajasthan government on Sunday cleared a tougher version of its proposed anti-conversion Bill, which will be tabled in the Assembly’s Monsoon Session beginning Monday. The new Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, introduces harsher punishments, including up to life imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for repeat offenders, cancellation of organisation registrations, and confiscation of properties used for unlawful conversions.
Under the revised provisions, unlawful conversion of minors, women, differently abled persons, and those from Scheduled Castes and Tribes will attract 10–20 years in jail and a minimum ₹10 lakh fine. Mass conversions could invite 20 years to life imprisonment, while offences involving force, inducement, marriage, or trafficking women may lead to life imprisonment and a fine of at least ₹30 lakh. The Bill also criminalises receiving foreign or illegal funding for conversions, with penalties of 10–20 years in jail and fines starting from ₹20 lakh.
Law Minister Jogaram Patel clarified that “ghar wapsi” — a return to one’s ancestral religion — will not be considered conversion under the Bill. While the government said the legislation was needed to protect vulnerable communities from inducement or fraud, the Opposition called it a diversionary move from issues such as inflation, unemployment, and corruption.
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