Strict Anti-conversion bill passed in Rajasthan: Life imprisonment for mass conversion.

Rajasthan Takes a Stand: New Anti-Conversion Bill Passed with Stringent Provisions.

Upendra Bharati | HENB | Jaipur | Sept 10, 2025:: In a significant move to curb forced religious conversions, the Rajasthan Assembly has passed the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025. The bill, which was approved with strict provisions, aims to protect individuals from coercive conversions and maintain social harmony in the state.

Key Highlights of the Bill
– Life Imprisonment for Mass Conversion: The bill proposes punishment ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment and a fine of ₹25 lakh for mass religious conversions.
– Prior Information: Individuals converting to another religion must give 90 days’ prior notice to the collector, failing which it will be considered forced conversion.
– Bulldozer Action: The bill includes a provision to demolish properties of organizations involved in forced conversions.
– Strict Punishment for Love Jihad: Marriage with the purpose of conversion will be considered conversion, and such marriages can be declared void by the court.

Other Provisions
1. Forced Conversion: A non-bailable offense.
2. Religious Rituals: Religious leaders must inform the magistrate two months in advance.
3. Public Notice: Notice of religious conversion will be pasted on the collector’s office notice board.
4. Objections: Objections will be sought within two months, and conversion will only be possible after hearing them.
5. Personal Appearance: The person converting must appear in person.
6. Cancellation of Registration: Organizations involved in illegal conversions will face cancellation of registration and fines up to ₹1 crore.
7. Voluntary Conversion: The person converting must apply to the collector or ADM and give public notice.
8. Demolition of Properties: Construction sites where mass conversions take place will be seized and demolished.
9. Declaration: A declaration must be submitted to the collector within 72 hours of conversion.
10. Identity Proof: A copy of the photo identity card or Aadhar card must be submitted along with the declaration.
11. Investigation: An investigation will be conducted if objections are received.
12. Proof of Voluntary Conversion: The person converting must provide proof of voluntary conversion.
13. Equal Applicability: The law will be equally applicable to all religions.

Implications for Jains Converting to Hinduism

– No Consideration as Conversion: If a Jain chooses to join Hinduism, it may not be considered a conversion under the bill’s provisions.
– Streamlining Community Relations: This perspective reflects a cultural and historical connection between the two religions, often seen as part of the broader Indic or Dharmic traditions.

Reactions and Implications

The bill has been met with criticism from opposition parties, with Congress MLAs boycotting the debate. Some parties have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the law, while others have demanded separate provisions for certain communities.

Government’s Perspective

The government has emphasized that the bill is necessary to address the growing concerns about forced conversions in Rajasthan. As stated by the government, “The bill was necessary to check the conversion trends surfaced in the land of Rajasthan in recent times.”

The government has clarified that the bill aims to prevent forced conversions and maintain social harmony, citing examples of recent cases in Rajasthan where people were allegedly converted by misleading or deceitful means.

The passage of this bill marks a significant step in Rajasthan’s efforts to address the issue of forced conversions, and its implications will be closely watched by various stakeholders.

Social Media Reaction: Demand for Similar Laws in BJP-Ruled States

The passage of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025, has sparked a strong reaction on social media, with many viewers demanding similar laws in every BJP-run state in India. The demand is driven by concerns about alleged conversion rackets run by Islamist and Christian groups.
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